Church speaks out as priest crushed to death by giant crucifix in front of worshippers

The church where a priest lost his life after a crucifix fell on top of him has issued a heartfelt update.

During a 7pm service on Saturday (17 October), Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, 53, was addressing his congregation from the altar when a crucifix hanging on the wall fell forward onto the back of his head.

As seen in footage which has now been taken down, parishioners were crying and screaming at the Church of Perpetual Relief of the Central Vicariate in Guayaquil.

Taking to Instagram, the church explained why it shared images from the scene, which didn't include the crucifix on the wall.

“We share the images of the Eucharist in memory of our beloved P. Patrick Alfredo Sanchez Molinari, CSsR., whom the Lord called to his bosom last night, October 17, while celebrating the Holy Mass,” it penned.

Rev. Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari died on Saturday during a livestreamed Mass (Facebook/Patricio Sanchez)

“Cardinal Luis Cabrera, OFM. Archbishop of Guayaquil, celebrated the Eucharist, accompanied by the auxiliary bishops, priests, members of the Community of the Holy Redeemer and parishioners.

“We appreciate all the messages of condolence from different parts of the world and especially, your prayers for the eternal repose of the soul of P. Patrick Sanchez.”

Just moments prior to the incident, Rev. Molinari was reportedly talking about death.

“One day, all of us here will also die, and sometimes the time we’ve spent on things doesn’t have as much meaning as the time we spend with God,” he said, according to the New York Post.

“The quality time we give to God, to our brothers and sisters, to our husbands, wives, children, and family – that time is the best spent.”

Parishioners were heard crying and screaming following the incident (Facebook/Patricio Sanchez)

Paying tribute to the late priest, one person commented: "May the soul of our beloved Father Patrick rest in peace. Thank you Archdiocese of Guayaquil. Together in prayer."

Another added: “Today the Church mourns, but also gives thanks to God. Our brother priest has departed to the Father's House.

“A priest never dies alone, he dies having lived for others. With his hands he blessed, with his voice he forgave, with his life he taught us the Gospel not only with words, but with the example of his daily dedication.”

Someone else said: “May God receive him in His Holy Glory, one of the best Priests that our Perpetual Help parish has ever had. His passing is very sad, only God knows why it happened this way, we will miss you a lot Father Patricio.”