Catholic Priest Dies After Crucifix Falls on Him During Livestreamed Mass in Ecuador
Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari died after a large crucifix fell on him during a livestreamed mass in Guayaquil, Ecuador.
Terragio67/Wikimedia Commons
A Catholic priest, Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, died after a large crucifix fell on him while he was leading a mass that was being livestreamed in Guayaquil, Ecuador, on Saturday.
Details of the Incident and Confirmation of Death
Footage circulating widely on social media shows Father Sánchez Molinari delivering his sermon in the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Guayaquil when the large crucifix suddenly collapsed and struck him on the head. The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed his death in a social media post on Sunday, stating: “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.” The statement concluded with a prayer for his eternal rest and peace.
Uncertain Cause of Crucifix Collapse
The exact reason why the crucifix fell remains unknown. No official explanation has been provided regarding whether structural damage or faulty fittings contributed to the accident. Attempts to obtain further comment from the Archdiocese of Guayaquil via email outside of regular working hours have not yielded a response so far.
Father Sánchez Molinari’s Background and Ministry
Father Sánchez Molinari was the parish priest of Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro (Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church) and a member of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, also known as the Redemptorists. Founded in 1732 by St. Alphonsus Liguori, the congregation focuses on serving poor and isolated communities. Father Sánchez Molinari had been assigned to downtown Guayaquil and previously worked in Vinces, Los Ríos Province. He was known for livestreaming Masses on his social media profiles and YouTube channel.
His Final Sermon: Reflections on Death and God
In the moments before the accident, Father Sánchez Molinari was delivering his last sermon, discussing the importance of prioritizing time with God ahead of death. He said, “In all activities, except for the things that are truly important, and the most important thing is always the Lord. He must come first, He must be present in that right encounter, and He must be present in that time, in the space that we give to the Lord.”
He continued, “Dear brothers, one day all of us who are here will also die, and sometimes the time we have used on things does not have as much meaning as the time we use in God. In that time we give quality time to God, to our brothers, to our husband, to our wife, to our children, to our family; that time is the best spent.”
He concluded with, “Dear brothers, that is why the Lord says, ‘What is Caesar’s, belongs to Caesar, and what is God’s, belongs to God.’ Let us give Him that time, that space, that He may always be present in every moment of our lives. May God accompany us, may God help us throughout this week, and may He choose all our activities.”
The Redemptorists and Their Mission
The Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer was established by St. Alphonsus Liguori, who left his legal career to preach in rural and isolated communities near Naples, Italy. By the 19th century, the Redemptorists had expanded their mission across several European countries including Italy, Poland, Germany, Belgium, and Holland.
Their first mission outside Europe was in the United States, where they worked with Native Americans and immigrant communities such as Irish, German, and Slavic peoples, often teaching the English language. Today, the congregation has around 4,500 members serving in 82 countries globally, continuing their work inspired by Psalm 130:7 – “In Him there is plentiful redemption.” The congregation is named after the Catholic title for the Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Perpetual Help.
Father Sánchez Molinari’s tragic death has deeply affected his congregation and parishioners, who remember him for his devotion and outreach through modern platforms like livestreaming. His final message emphasizing the importance of spiritual presence and quality time with God resonates poignantly in the wake of this accident.
