A Catholic priest in Guayaquil, Ecuador, was killed on Saturday, October 17, when a large crucifix fell from the wall behind the altar and struck him during a livestreamed Mass. Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, parish priest of Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro Church, was leading the service when the accident occurred approximately 27 minutes into the broadcast.
The incident was captured on camera as the wooden crucifix, bearing the figure of Jesus Christ, detached from its mount and fell forward directly onto the priest’s head. The livestream abruptly ended moments later. Parishioners in the church shouted in distress, with one woman repeatedly calling out, “¡Padre! ¡Llamen una ambulancia!” (“Father! Call an ambulance!”). Several congregants rushed to the altar to assist, though Sánchez Molinari was pronounced dead by the Archdiocese of Guayaquil on Sunday.
Archdiocese Confirms Death
The Archdiocese of Guayaquil issued a statement on social media confirming Sánchez Molinari’s death, identifying him as a member of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists). The statement read: “Our dear Fr. Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari … has departed to the Father’s House to enjoy His presence and His glory.” It concluded with the traditional Catholic prayer: “Requiem æternam dona ei, Domine, et lux perpetua luceat ei. Requiescat in pace.” (Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace.)
Church and Community Respond
The Redemptorist community and the Archdiocese extended condolences to Sánchez Molinari’s family, noting his service in the Central Vicariate of Guayaquil. The priest had previously served in Vinces, Los Ríos Province, according to local reporting. The cause of the crucifix’s collapse remains under investigation, with no official explanation provided regarding structural integrity or mounting mechanisms.
Sánchez Molinari was known for livestreaming Masses regularly through his personal social media accounts and a dedicated YouTube channel, continuing a practice that gained prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic. The tragedy occurred one day after the Archdiocese celebrated the anniversary of his ordination, as reported by Ecuadorian outlet Primicias.
Background on the Incident
The Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro Church, where the incident took place, is one of Guayaquil’s prominent Catholic parishes. The Redemptorist order, founded in 1732 by St. Alphonsus Liguori, focuses its ministry on poor and isolated communities, with approximately 4,500 members across 82 countries. Sánchez Molinari’s death marks a rare and tragic accident in a place of worship, prompting reflection on the safety of religious artifacts in church settings.