“ONE DAY, WE WILL ALL DIE TOO” — PRIEST’S HAUNTING FINAL WORDS BEFORE FATAL CHURCH ACCIDENT

Father Patricio Sánchez Molinari was speaking to his congregation about faith, family and the fragility of life. Moments later, a heavy crucifix fell during the livestreamed Mass, killing the 52-year-old priest.

A church congregation in Guayaquil, Ecuador, was left in shock after a tragic accident claimed the life of Father Patricio Sánchez Molinari while he was celebrating Mass.

But what has made the tragedy especially heartbreaking is the message the priest had shared with his congregation shortly before the accident — a reflection on mortality and the importance of spending time with God and the people we love.

“One day, all of us here will also die,” he told the faithful, according to a transcript of his homily reported by Catholic news outlets.

The words have since taken on a deeply painful significance.

 A SERMON ABOUT WHAT MATTERS MOST

On Saturday, October 17, 2026, Father Patricio was celebrating Mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Guayaquil.

During his homily, he encouraged those listening to reconsider how they spent their time, reminding them that work, money and everyday distractions should not overshadow faith and family.

He spoke about making time for God, spouses, children and loved ones — the people and relationships that give life its deepest meaning.

His message was simple: life is precious, and the time we share with others should never be taken for granted.

He could not have known how soon those words would become a source of reflection for people around the world.

 THE MOMENT THE MASS TURNED INTO A TRAGEDY

As Father Patricio stood behind the altar, a large crucifix mounted behind him suddenly came loose and fell forward, striking him on the head.

The Mass was being livestreamed, and the incident was captured on the broadcast.

Congregants could be heard calling out for the priest and asking for an ambulance as people rushed to help him.

Despite their efforts, Father Patricio died shortly afterwards, according to church authorities.

The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed his passing and expressed its condolences to his family, friends, fellow Redemptorists and parishioners.

The cause of the crucifix becoming detached has not been publicly established. Authorities have not announced a definitive explanation for the accident.

A PRIEST REMEMBERED FOR HIS SERVICE

Father Patricio was a member of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, commonly known as the Redemptorists.

He served religious communities in several parts of Ecuador, including Loja, Durán, Vinces and Manta, before becoming parish priest at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Guayaquil.

Those who knew him remembered a priest devoted to his ministry, attentive to the people in his care and committed to supporting his community.

His religious congregation expressed profound sadness at his sudden passing, asking people to remember not only the circumstances of his death but also the life of service that preceded it.

For parishioners, he was more than the man who stood at the altar each week. He was a spiritual guide whose words and presence had become part of their lives.

 WHY HIS FINAL MESSAGE HAS TOUCHED SO MANY PEOPLE

The words Father Patricio shared about death and family have resonated because they speak to a truth people often overlook in the busyness of everyday life.

We make plans, work towards goals and assume there will always be another opportunity to spend time with the people we love.

His homily encouraged listeners to pause and consider what deserves their time and attention.

After the accident, those words were remembered with renewed emotion — not because his death was predicted, but because his message about life’s uncertainty suddenly felt painfully immediate.

The tragedy is a reminder of how fragile life can be, and why ordinary moments with family, friends and loved ones matter.

 A LEGACY THAT GOES BEYOND HIS FINAL MOMENTS

Father Patricio’s death has left his congregation and religious community grieving a sudden loss.

Yet his life cannot be reduced to the accident that ended it. His years of ministry, the people he accompanied and the faith he shared with his parishioners remain part of his legacy.

The Redemptorist community has asked for prayers for his family, fellow priests and the people he served.

As questions about the accident remain unanswered, those who knew him are left to remember a priest whose final homily called people to make room for faith, love and meaningful time together.

“One day, all of us here will also die.”

Those words were part of a sermon about living wisely — a message that has now become an unexpected part of Father Patricio’s remembrance.

May he rest in peace, and may his family and congregation find comfort in the memories of his life and service. 🕊️

Sources: Associated Press / CBS News; National Catholic Reporter; Redemptorists.