“ONE DAY, WE WILL ALL DIE TOO”: PRIEST’S HAUNTING FINAL WORDS BEFORE FATAL CRUCIFIX ACCIDENT
“ONE DAY, WE WILL ALL DIE TOO”: PRIEST’S HAUNTING FINAL WORDS BEFORE FATAL CRUCIFIX ACCIDENT
Father Patricio Sánchez Molinari was speaking about faith, family and the fleeting nature of life when a massive wooden crucifix fell on him during a livestreamed Mass in Ecuador. His final message has since taken on heartbreaking significance for the congregation he served.
A Catholic community in Guayaquil, Ecuador, is mourning the sudden death of Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari after a large wooden crucifix fell on him during Mass on October 17, 2026.
The priest was celebrating an evening service at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church when the heavy structure mounted behind the altar suddenly detached from the wall and struck him.
The Mass was being livestreamed, and footage captured the terrifying moment the crucifix fell. Worshippers immediately cried out for help, with one voice heard pleading for someone to call an ambulance.
Despite the efforts to assist him, Father Patricio died. The Archdiocese of Guayaquil later confirmed his passing and expressed its condolences to his family, friends and fellow Redemptorists.
But beyond the shocking circumstances of his death, it was the message he had shared shortly beforehand that left many people reflecting on the fragility of life.
“ONE DAY, ALL OF US HERE WILL ALSO DIE”
During his homily, Father Patricio spoke about the importance of placing faith first and using time meaningfully.
According to a transcript of his sermon reported by Ecuadorian newspaper El Universo, he reflected that people sometimes fail to give God the time and attention they deserve, allowing work, money and everyday activities to take priority.
He then delivered words that would become especially poignant after the tragedy.
“One day, all of us here will also die,” he said, according to the published transcript.
He continued by encouraging worshippers to consider whether the time they spent on different activities was as meaningful as the time devoted to God and their loved ones.
He also spoke about the importance of relationships with spouses, children, family members and fellow believers.
His message was a familiar reflection on mortality and the value of human connection. There is no evidence that he knew what was about to happen.
Yet, following his death, those words have resonated deeply with people who watched or later learned about the final moments of the service.
A MOMENT OF WORSHIP TURNS INTO TRAGEDY
Father Patricio was standing behind the altar and facing the congregation when the crucifix mounted on the wall behind him suddenly tipped forward.
He appeared unaware of the danger before it struck him.
The congregation reacted immediately. People shouted for assistance and rushed toward the priest as the livestream captured the unfolding emergency.
The original broadcast was subsequently taken down, although footage of the incident circulated widely online and was reported by international news organisations.
The reason the heavy crucifix came loose has not been conclusively established in the reports available. The circumstances surrounding its installation and the failure of its supports remain important questions.
The incident has also prompted discussion about the need to establish exactly what happened, rather than relying on speculation spread across social media.
A PRIEST REMEMBERED FOR HIS SERVICE
Father Patricio was a member of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, widely known as the Redemptorists.
He served as parish priest at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Guayaquil. Before that appointment, he had spent several years serving at San Lorenzo parish in Vinces, where he was remembered for his dedication to pastoral work.
The Archdiocese of Guayaquil announced his death in a statement expressing sorrow and solidarity with those closest to him.
His passing left parishioners grieving the loss of a spiritual leader who had accompanied them through prayer, worship and the everyday challenges of life.
A memorial Mass was celebrated the following day, as members of the community gathered to pray for his soul and remember his ministry.
HIS MESSAGE LIVES ON
For those who heard his homily, Father Patricio’s final message was ultimately about how people choose to spend the time they have.
He urged worshippers to make room for faith, to care for their families and to give genuine attention to the people around them.
His death was sudden and tragic, but the words he shared before the accident have encouraged many to pause and consider what truly matters in their own lives.
As his congregation continues to grieve, his legacy remains connected not only to the circumstances of his final Mass, but also to the spiritual message he sought to share.
May Father Patricio Sánchez Molinari rest in eternal peace. May his family, fellow priests and the congregation he served find comfort and strength as they mourn his loss.
Sources:
- Associated Press: https://apnews.com/article/b9824d71127805ffc31fb6ba45c79050
- National Catholic Reporter: https://www.ncronline.org/news/priest-ecuador-53-struck-and-killed-falling-crucifix-during-mass
- CBS News: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/falling-crucifix-kills-priest-livestreamed-mass-ecuador/
- Times of India: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/rest-of-world/we-will-all-die-one-day-ecuador-priest-killed-by-falling-crucifix-moments-after-sermon/articleshow/135044625.cms
