Ecuador Priest Killed by Falling Crucifix During Livestreamed Mass
The fatal accident at Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro Church was captured on video just one day after his ordination anniversary.
A large wooden crucifix detached from the wall behind the altar and fatally struck a Catholic priest during Communion at a church in Guayaquil, Ecuador, on Saturday. Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari died at Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro Church while the service was being broadcast live on social media.
Screams broke out immediately. Video of the livestream shows worshippers sprinting toward the altar as the heavy cross collapsed forward onto Sánchez Molinari. “Father, Father … call an ambulance,” a woman shouted, according to the footage.
The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed his death in a Facebook statement written in Spanish, identifying him as the parish priest for the Central Vicariate. The archdiocese concluded its notice with a Latin prayer for eternal rest.
No structural inspection reports or maintenance logs have been released. Church officials had not publicly explained why the fixture failed by Sunday. Heavy wooden crucifixes suspended above altars rely on specialized mounting hardware that requires periodic engineering checks, though no such schedule has been detailed for this specific building.
The accident occurred exactly one day after the archdiocese published a message congratulating Sánchez Molinari on the anniversary of his ordination, Ecuadorian news outlet Primicias reported.
Sánchez Molinari belonged to the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, commonly known as the Redemptorists. He spent several years serving as parish priest at San Lorenzo in Vinces, located in Ecuador’s Los Ríos province, before transferring to Guayaquil, Primicias reported.
His former parish posted a tribute on social media remembering his dedication and pastoral work, El Universo reported.
