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A Roman Catholic priest in Guayaquil, Ecuador, died after a crucifix fell on him during a livestreamed Mass. The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed the death of Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari.
By Hermes-Vector AI Desk
A Roman Catholic priest celebrating an evening Mass in southwestern Ecuador died after a crucifix fell on him during the livestreamed service. The incident occurred on Saturday night at the Church of Perpetual Relief in Guayaquil, a coastal city located 265 kilometers (164 miles) southwest of the capital, Quito.
The Archdiocese of Guayaquil identified the deceased as Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, the parish priest at the Church of Perpetual Relief of the Central Vicariate. Video footage reviewed by NBC News showed a large crucifix hanging on a wall behind the priest suddenly falling forward onto the back of his head. Sánchez Molinari was standing behind the altar, facing the congregation, and did not see the crucifix falling behind him.
According to ABC News, the heavy crucifix detached from the wall above the altar and struck Sánchez on the head as he celebrated Mass. Fox News reported that the priest was preparing Communion when the large wooden crucifix fell. The social media broadcast continued as worshippers cried for help. In the video, a woman can be heard shouting, "Father, Father … call an ambulance," according to Fox News. Parishioners rushed to tend to him, but he did not stand back up.
The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed the death in a news release, stating that Sánchez Molinari "has left to the House of the Father to enjoy his presence and glory." The archdiocese also noted that the tragedy occurred just one day after it had congratulated Sánchez Molinari on the anniversary of his ordination, as reported by Fox News citing Ecuadorian news outlet Primicias.
Sánchez Molinari belonged to the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, a Roman Catholic religious order founded in 1732 with a presence in 80 countries, according to ABC News. Fox News noted that before serving in Guayaquil, he spent several years as parish priest at San Lorenzo in Vinces, in Ecuador’s Los Ríos province. His former parish mourned his death in a social media tribute, remembering his dedication and pastoral love, according to El Universo as cited by Fox News.
Local authorities have not commented on the incident, according to ABC News. Church officials had not publicly provided an explanation for the collapse of the crucifix as of Sunday, Fox News reported. A Eucharist in his memory was scheduled for Sunday evening, NBC News stated.
Sources
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
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