PRIEST DIES AFTER MASSIVE CRUCIFIX FALLS ON HIM DURING LIVESTREAMED MASS — WORSHIPPERS RUSH TO HELP IN HEARTBREAKING SCENES

Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari was celebrating Mass in Ecuador when a large wooden crucifix suddenly fell from the wall behind the altar, striking him as the service was being broadcast live.

A Catholic priest has died after a massive wooden crucifix fell on him during a livestreamed Mass in Ecuador, leaving worshippers horrified as they rushed to his aid.

Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari was celebrating Mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, also known as Perpetuo Socorro Church, in Guayaquil on Saturday evening, October 17, 2026.

The service was being broadcast live when the large crucifix mounted behind the altar suddenly detached from the wall and fell onto the priest.

Footage showed Father Sánchez standing before the congregation when the structure struck him. He collapsed, disappearing from view behind the altar.

Shouts of “Father! Father!” could be heard as members of the congregation hurried forward to help. Worshippers called for an ambulance while the livestream continued to capture the chaos.

Despite the desperate efforts to assist him, Father Sánchez did not survive.

ARCHDIOCESE CONFIRMS HIS DEATH

The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed the priest’s passing in a statement shared on October 17.

The announcement expressed condolences and solidarity with the Redemptorist community, his family and those who knew him.

Father Sánchez was a member of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, a Catholic religious order known for its missionary work and service to communities.

He had also served as a pastor in Vinces, Ecuador, where members of the parish remembered him with prayers and tributes.

A memorial Mass was held at Perpetuo Socorro Church on October 18.

HIS FINAL MESSAGE TO THE CONGREGATION

In an especially heartbreaking detail, Father Sánchez had spoken about the importance of faith and making time for loved ones just minutes before the accident.

During his final homily, he encouraged parishioners to put God first and reflect on how they spend their time.

He reminded the congregation that meaningful time should be devoted not only to faith, but also to brothers and sisters, spouses, children and family.

Those words have taken on a particularly poignant meaning following his sudden passing.

INVESTIGATION INTO THE FALLING CRUCIFIX

The circumstances surrounding the accident are now being examined.

According to reports, the Archdiocese is awaiting a technical assessment to establish why the heavy wooden structure became detached from its mounting.

Police and forensic investigators reportedly attended the church as part of the initial investigation. The precise cause of the collapse has not yet been established.

The tragedy has deeply affected the local Catholic community, with prayers and tributes being shared for the priest and those closest to him.

Father Patricio Sánchez Molinari had been leading a service centered on faith and devotion. His sudden death during that very celebration has left his congregation mourning a loss they could never have anticipated.