A Catholic priest, Rev. Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, tragically died on Saturday when a wooden crucifix fell and crushed him during a Mass in Guayaquil, Ecuador. The Mass was being livestreamed, making the incident visible to many online viewers.
The accident occurred at the Our Lady of Perpetual Help church, where attendees could be heard urgently calling for an ambulance as the livestream abruptly ended. Rev. Sánchez had a notable presence online, with more than 4,600 followers on his Facebook page.
The video showed Rev. Sánchez addressing the congregation when the crucifix, hanging behind him, unexpectedly fell and struck him on the head. Sadly, he collapsed and did not recover.
The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed his passing and shared a heartfelt message expressing their grief and support for his family and friends. “He has departed to the House of the Father to enjoy his presence and glory,” they wrote. The incident stirred considerable attention, with the footage spreading widely on social media and multiple news platforms.
Sánchez was a member of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, a Roman Catholic religious order present in 80 countries since its founding in 1732. To date, local authorities have not issued any comments regarding the incident.
The religious community and those who knew Rev. Sánchez continue to express their condolences and pay tribute to his service and dedication.
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