Catholic priest killed by falling cross during livestreamed Mass in Ecuador
The archdiocese said the priest died after a large crucifix came loose during Mass, and footage showed worshippers shouting for help.
- On Saturday, Father Patricio Alfredo Sanchez Molinari, parish priest of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Guayaquil, Ecuador, died after a massive crucifix fell and struck him on the head during Mass.
- The incident occurred about 27 minutes into the ceremony, as thousands watched via livestream; footage of the structure leaning away from the wall and crashing onto the altar circulated widely on social media.
- Emergency responders arrived swiftly, but medical services could not save the priest. In the video, one attendee can be heard shouting, "Father, Father... call an ambulance!" after the terrible blow.
- On Sunday, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed the death in a social media post, stating the priest "has departed for the Fathers House to rejoice in His presence and glory."
- As a member of the Redemptorist order serving in the Central Vicariate, Father Molinari's death prompted the Archdiocese to express solidarity with the Perpetuo Socorro Church community, relatives, and friends.
141 Articles
141 Articles
Horrible misfortune in a church in Ecuador. While the priest stands in front of the altar and conducts the Mass, suddenly the big wooden cross behind him dissolves and falls directly on his head. The church is shocked. The church asks believers not to interpret the misfortune as a divine sign.
In the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help of Guayaquil, Ecuador, a large wooden crucifix detached from the wall and crushed it in full service.
During the mass, which was broadcast live on the Internet, the heavy crucifix broke away from the wall. The cross struck the parish priest of the church in Ecuador.
A Catholic priest died on Saturday while officiating a mass in the Ecuadorian city of Guayaquil, after a wooden crucifix took off the wall and crushed him against the pulpit, according to the live transmission of the ceremony.
In the middle of a mass in a church in Ecuador, a falling wooden cross hit the priest fatally. The accident happened in front of the camera: the divine service was broadcast live.
A Catholic priest in Ecuador was tragically killed when a huge wooden cross fell on him while he was celebrating Mass. The shocking incident was captured on live broadcast from the church, shocking the faithful who were there. Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari was officiating at the church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in the city of Guayaquil on Saturday when the accident occurred.
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