Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari was struck by a large wooden crucifix while preparing Communion at a church in Guayaquil, leaving worshippers screaming and rushing to help.
A Catholic priest in Ecuador, Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, has died after a heavy wooden crucifix fell on him during a livestreamed Mass at a church in Guayaquil.
The tragic incident occurred on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro Church, where Sánchez Molinari was preparing Communion when the large crucifix reportedly collapsed and struck him.
Footage from the livestream captured the distressing moments as worshippers screamed and rushed towards the altar to help the priest. A woman could also be heard urgently calling for an ambulance as people responded to the emergency.
According to a report by Fox News published on Sunday, October 18, the circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear.
The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed Sánchez Molinari’s death in a statement shared on social media, identifying him as the parish priest of Perpetuo Socorro Church in its Central Vicariate.
In its condolence message, the archdiocese expressed sorrow over his death and prayed for his eternal rest in the presence of God.
The tragedy occurred just one day after the archdiocese had congratulated him on the anniversary of his priestly ordination, according to Ecuadorian news outlet Primicias.
Sánchez Molinari was a member of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, popularly known as the Redemptorists, a Catholic religious congregation.
Before his appointment in Guayaquil, he served for several years as parish priest at San Lorenzo in Vinces, in Ecuador’s Los Ríos province.
His former parish also paid tribute to him on social media, remembering his dedication to the church and his pastoral service to the community.
As of Sunday, October 18, church authorities had not publicly disclosed what caused the large wooden crucifix to fall on the priest.
The incident has left members of the Catholic community mourning the death of a clergyman who was performing his religious duties when the tragedy occurred.
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