A Catholic priest has died in Ecuador after a large wooden cross fell on him while he was celebrating Mass.
The victim was identified as Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, parish priest of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, also known as Perpetuo Socorro Church, in Guayaquil.
The incident occurred on Saturday during an evening Mass that was being livestreamed on social media. About 27 minutes into the service, the heavy crucifix mounted on the wall behind the altar detached and struck the priest on the head.
Shocking footage circulating online captured the moment. The priest did not see the cross falling. Worshippers inside the church were heard screaming, “Father, Father… call an ambulance,” as the live broadcast continued.
Emergency responders were called to the church, but he was later confirmed dead the same day.
The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed his death in a statement on Sunday. It announced that Fr. Patricio had departed to the Father’s House and expressed solidarity and affection to his family, friends, and the Redemptorist family.
Fr. Sánchez Molinari belonged to the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, also known as the Redemptorists, a Catholic order founded in 1732. He had previously served at San Lorenzo Parish in Vinces, Los Ríos Province, and was serving in the Central Vicariate at the time of his death.
The cause of the cross collapse is not yet known. Church authorities have not given any official explanation on what caused the heavy structure to fall.
A memorial Mass in his honour has been scheduled for Sunday night at the same church.
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