Priest Killed by Falling Crucifix During Livestreamed Mass in Ecuador
A Catholic priest in Ecuador has died after a large wooden crucifix fell from behind the altar and struck him during a Mass that was being livestreamed on social media.
Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari was preparing Communion at Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro Church in Guayaquil on Saturday, October 17, when the crucifix suddenly tipped forward and hit him.
The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed his death in a Facebook post. The accident came a day after the archdiocese had congratulated him on the anniversary of his ordination.
What Happened at Perpetuo Socorro Church in Guayaquil?
The accident took place during a Communion service at Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro (Our Lady of Perpetual Help) Church in Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest city.
As Father Sánchez Molinari prepared Communion, the wooden crucifix positioned behind the altar tipped forward and struck him. Worshippers rushed to the altar to help him and called for emergency assistance.
Livestream Captured the Moment the Crucifix Fell
Because the Mass was being broadcast on social media, the livestream recorded both the moment the crucifix fell and the congregation’s attempts to help the priest.
The footage shows worshippers screaming before running towards the altar. A woman can be heard calling out: “Father, Father … call an ambulance.”
Archdiocese of Guayaquil Confirms Father Sánchez Molinari’s Death
The Archdiocese of Guayaquil announced the priest’s death on Facebook, identifying him as the parish priest of Perpetuo Socorro Church in the archdiocese’s Central Vicariate.
In its message, written in Spanish, the archdiocese said: “Our dear Fr. Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari … has departed to the Father’s House to enjoy His presence and His glory.”
The statement closed with a traditional prayer for the dead: “Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.”
Accident Came a Day After His Ordination Anniversary
Ecuadorian news outlet Primicias reported that the fatal accident happened one day after the Archdiocese of Guayaquil had publicly congratulated Father Sánchez Molinari on the anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood.
Who Was Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari?
Father Sánchez Molinari was a member of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, a Catholic religious order widely known as the Redemptorists.
He served as parish priest of Perpetuo Socorro Church in Guayaquil. According to Primicias, he had previously spent several years as parish priest at San Lorenzo in Vinces, in Ecuador’s Los Ríos province.
Why Did the Crucifix Fall?
The cause of the accident has not been publicly explained. Reports so far have not said how the crucifix was mounted or what caused it to tip forward during the service.
Any further details are likely to come from church authorities or local officials if the incident is reviewed.
The Catholic Church has been the subject of other major news this month. Read Newsaih’s report on Pope Leo XIV’s lung cancer diagnosis after successful surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which priest was killed by a falling crucifix?
Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, parish priest of Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro Church in Guayaquil, Ecuador, was killed when a crucifix fell on him.
Where did the crucifix accident happen?
It happened at Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro Church in Guayaquil, Ecuador.
When did the priest die?
The accident happened on Saturday, October 17, 2026, during a Communion service.
Was the Mass livestreamed?
Yes. The Mass was being broadcast on social media, and the livestream captured the moment the crucifix fell.
Who confirmed Father Sánchez Molinari’s death?
The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed his death in a Facebook post.
What religious order did Father Sánchez Molinari belong to?
He was a member of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, known as the Redemptorists.
Why did the crucifix fall?
No official explanation for the accident has been reported.
Conclusion
Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari died after a wooden crucifix fell from behind the altar and struck him as he prepared Communion at Perpetuo Socorro Church in Guayaquil.
The Mass was being livestreamed, and the footage captured the congregation’s efforts to help him. The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed his death a day after it had marked the anniversary of his ordination.
Newsaih will report any further information about the cause of the accident as it becomes available.
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Editorial note: This article is based on the Archdiocese of Guayaquil’s statement and reporting by Ecuadorian outlet Primicias. Quotations from the archdiocese have been translated from Spanish. The cause of the accident had not been established at the time of writing.
