'One day all of us will die': Ecuadorian Catholic priest killed by giant cross fell from behind moments after speaking about death during mass

Ecuadorian priest Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari died after a large crucifix fell on him during Mass at Perpetuo Socorro Church in Guayaquil on Saturday, October 17. The structure, which included a figure of Jesus Christ, struck his head as he conducted the service in front of churchgoers and people watching online.

According to the New York Post, the 53-year-old priest had spoken about the inevitability of death shortly before the accident. The service was being livestreamed, and footage circulating on social media captured the sudden incident and the congregation’s reaction.

Emergency medical workers reportedly arrived but were unable to save the priest. He was declared dead on the same day.


WARNING: THE FOLLOWING VIDEO MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR MANY VIEWERS

The exact reason the crucifix fell has not been established.

What had the priest said about death?

According to the New York Post, he told the congregation, “One day, all of us here will also die, and sometimes the time we’ve spent on things doesn’t have as much meaning as the time we spend with God.”

He also spoke about spending meaningful time with family, including partners, children and other loved ones. “The quality time we give to God, to our brothers and sisters, to our husbands, wives, children, and family— that time is the best spent,” Sanchez quoted by NYP.

The priest’s remarks took on added significance after the crucifix fell on him during the same service. NewsVaticano posted the video of his death along with their condolences post.

Who was Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari?

Sánchez Molinari served as parish priest at Perpetuo Socorro Church, also known as the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, in Guayaquil. He was a member of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, a Catholic religious order commonly known as the Redemptorists.

The order was founded in 1732 and serves communities in several countries. Sánchez Molinari had also served at San Lorenzo Parish in Vinces, in Ecuador’s Los Ríos province, according to earlier reports.

The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed his death in a statement expressing grief over the loss. It said he had served as parish priest in the Central Vicariate.

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What did the church say after his death?

The Archdiocese of Guayaquil and the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer expressed condolences following the priest’s death.

In its statement, the church said Sánchez Molinari had “departed to the Father's House to enjoy His presence and His glory”. It also invited parishioners to attend a Eucharist in his memory.

A memorial Mass was announced for Sunday, October 18, at 9 pm at Perpetuo Socorro Church, located at José Mascote and Maldonado in Guayaquil.

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The incident was witnessed by people inside the church and viewers watching the livestream, turning a routine religious service into a fatal accident.