Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, an Ecuadorian Catholic Priest, has died after a large crucifix hanging in his church fell on him during a service being livestreamed.
On Saturday (October 17), the priest was leading mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Guayaquil. However, the service came to an abrupt and horrific halt as a cross came crashing down, collapsing, and toppling the priest.
About 27 minutes into the service, livestream viewers saw a large wooden cross, mounted high behind the altar, suddenly become loose and fall onto the priest. As the tragic incident unfolded, congregants inside the church gasped and began shouting in Spanish.
Quickly, worshippers began flooding the alter and coming to the priest’s aide. Congregants attempted to help the priest. However, he later passed away from the injuries sustained by the fallen cross.
Archdiocese Of Guayaquil Speaks After Ecuadorian Priest Dies Following Fallen Crucifix
On Sunday (October 18), the Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari’s death. In a statement on Instagram, the Archdiocese mourned the loss of the priest and offered condolences to his loved ones and members of the religious community.
In addition to serving as priest of the church, Sánchez Molinari was also a member of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, a Catholic religious order. Church officials and local authorities continue to investigate the tragedy and what caused the heavy cross to detach from its mounting.
#Socialites, be sure to check out the post below, then leave us your thoughts in a comment after!