Priest killed when crucifix 'tumbles onto him' during livestreamed mass
A Catholic priest has died after a large crucifix fell off the wall and crashed down onto his head during a livestreamed mass.
Father Sánchez Molinari was delivering a mass from the Perpetuo Socorro Church in Guayaquil, Ecuador, on Saturday (17 October), which was also being streamed online.
Around half an hour into the service, a large wooden cross on the wall behind him toppled down and onto his head.
In footage of the incident, a female parishioner can be heard saying: “Father, Father … call an ambulance,” while others shout out for help and several can be seen rushing towards the priest.
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The livestream was abruptly cut short.
Emergency services rushed to the scene but the priest passed away the same day.
Confirming his tragic death, The Archdiocese of Guayaquil said on Sunday (18 October): “We announce that our beloved Fr. Patricio Alfredo Sánchez 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.
"Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen."
Father Sánchez belonged to the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, a Roman Catholic religious order founded in 1732 that has a presence in more than 80 countries worldwide, including Ecuador.
The order has around 4,500 members and their official motto is taken from Psalm 130:7: “With Him there is plentiful redemption.”
Father Sánchez would livestream his masses on his own social media profiles and YouTube channel each week.
Following his shock death, tributes have been paid to Father Sánchez on social media, with one person writing: “Eternal rest grant him, Lord, and shine unto the perpetual light. What a great pain I feel. I'll miss his blessing at the end of the mass.”
Another said: “Such profound sadness - a great and unexpected loss. Those of us who knew him understand what an exceptional person has departed to be with God; he offered us so much guidance and many valuable lessons. Rest in peace.”
While a third commented: “I cannot believe it, Father, you have left us. You were an excellent, charitable priest. Rest now, Father; may God hold you in His holy glory.”
What caused the crucifix to fall is not clear and no further details on the incident have been made public.
Topics: World News
Claire Reid