Catholic Priest Dies After Heavy Cross Falls on Him During Mass in Ecuador

By Nasiru Hassan

A Catholic priest, Father Patricio Sánchez Molinari, has died after a heavy wooden crucifix fell on his head while he was celebrating Mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Guayaquil, Ecuador.

According to the Associated Press (AP), the incident occurred on Saturday during a religious service that was being livestreamed on social media.

Sánchez Molinari was at the altar when the large crucifix mounted on the wall behind him suddenly became detached and struck him on the head.

Footage of the service showed the cross falling on the priest as he continued celebrating Mass. According to AP, the priest did not appear to notice the falling crucifix, while worshippers could be heard crying for help as the livestream continued.

Ecuadorian newspaper El Universo also reported the incident, saying worshippers rushed to assist the priest and called for an ambulance after the cross fell.

The Archdiocese of Guayaquil subsequently confirmed Sánchez Molinari’s death and identified him as a member of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, a Roman Catholic religious order also known as the Redemptorists.

The religious congregation, founded in 1732, has a presence in 80 countries, according to AP.

Following his death, the Archdiocese expressed solidarity with the Redemptorist community, as well as the priest’s family and friends.

Sánchez Molinari had previously served for several years at San Lorenzo de Vinces parish, which also mourned his death, according to El Universo.

As of the time of reporting, the circumstances that caused the heavy crucifix to detach from the wall had not been officially established. AP also reported that local authorities had not publicly commented on the incident.

The incident has drawn attention because it was captured during a livestream of the religious service, showing worshippers rushing to help the priest after the cross fell.