Priest killed by falling crucifix during livestreamed mass in Ecuador

Mourners gathered Sunday to honor a priest in Ecuador who died after a large crucifix suddenly fell from a wall and struck him during a livestreamed mass.

The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed in a statement that the Rev. Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, 53, died Saturday, writing that he “has departed for the Father’s House to enjoy His presence and His glory.” Sánchez Molinari served as parish priest of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Guayaquil, Ecuador.

“Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen,” the statement concluded.

In a separate statement, the archdiocese invited parishioners to attend a memorial mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church to celebrate the life of the late priest.

Steven Pincay, a communications manager for the Archdiocese of Guayaquil, told The Christian Post on Monday that bishops and priests of Guayaquil, as well as parishioners, attended the mass in memory of Sánchez Molinari. Pincay said the priest’s remains were transferred to the city of Cuenca, where he will be buried this week at Santa Ana Cemetery.

On Saturday, the priest was standing behind the altar when a large crucifix detached from the wall behind him and struck him on the head.

According to footage of the tragedy reviewed by CP, Sánchez Molinari was addressing the congregation at the time, and he did not see the crucifix falling behind him. Parishioners captured in the video could be heard expressing shock and calling for help.

San Lorenzo Parish in Vinces, where Sánchez Molinari previously served as priest, also expressed sorrow over his death, writing in a statement Saturday:

“As a Redemptorist family, we join in prayer for the eternal rest of his soul, and we ask the Lord to grant comfort to his family, his brother priests, and all the faithful who cherish his legacy and memory with gratitude.”

It is not yet clear what caused the crucifix to fall during the mass.