Viral Video Shows Ecuador Priest’s Final Moments as Crucifix Falls During Mass
A Catholic priest in Guayaquil, Ecuador, died after a large crucifix mounted behind the altar fell on him while he was celebrating Mass
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A Catholic priest in Ecuador died after a massive crucifix mounted behind the altar suddenly fell on him while he was conducting a Mass that was being livestreamed, in a tragic incident that has since drawn widespread attention on social media.
The incident took place on Saturday, October 17, at Nuestra Senora del Perpetuo Socorro Church in Guayaquil, where Father Patricio Alfredo Sanchez Molinari served as parish priest.
Footage of the incident shows the priest addressing the congregation at the altar as the religious service was underway. Moments later, the large crucifix mounted on the wall behind him suddenly detaches and crashes down onto the altar area, knocking him out of view.
The fallen crucifix is subsequently seen lying across the altar, bringing the service to a sudden and devastating halt. The footage, recorded during the livestream, has since circulated widely across social media platforms.
The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed Father Sanchez Molinari’s death in a social media post on Sunday, expressing grief over the loss of the priest, who served the church’s Central Vicariate.
“We announce that our beloved Fr. Patricio Alfredo Sanchez Molinari, CSsR., who served as parish priest of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in the Central Vicariate, has departed for the Father’s House to rejoice in His presence and glory,” the archdiocese said in its statement.
The announcement concluded with a prayer for the deceased priest: “Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.”
Father Sanchez Molinari was a member of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, a Catholic religious congregation commonly known as the Redemptorists. His death has prompted an outpouring of attention following the circulation of the video documenting the fatal incident.
The circumstances surrounding the crucifix’s sudden detachment have not been detailed in the information provided by the archdiocese.