Rev. Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, a Catholic priest in Ecuador, died on Saturday after a large crucifix fell from behind the altar and struck the back of his head while he celebrated a livestreamed Mass at the Perpetuo Socorro church in Guayaquil. The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed his death in a statement posted on Facebook on Monday, and a memorial Eucharist was held for him on Sunday, led by Cardinal Luis Cabrera, the city’s archbishop.
Rev. Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari was standing at the altar and facing his congregation when a sudden accident turned a routine service into a scene of grief. The priest, who served as parish priest of the Church of Perpetual Relief in Guayaquil’s Central Vicariate, died after a large crucifix behind him came loose, as the Mass was being streamed online.
What the Video Shows
Video of the incident, which was reviewed by NBC News, shows Sánchez standing behind the altar, looking toward the people attending the service. Behind him, a large crucifix suddenly falls forward and strikes the back of his head. Because he was facing the congregation, he did not appear to notice it coming.
The footage shows he did not get back up. Shouting and crying can be heard from the congregation, and several people rush toward the priest to try to help him. The livestream was later taken down.
According to CNN affiliate Ecuavisa, Sánchez was preparing to lead a wedding ceremony when the accident occurred. The archdiocese has not detailed what the service was beyond describing it as a Mass.
Archdiocese Confirms His Death
In a statement published on Facebook on Monday, the Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed that Sánchez died on Saturday and expressed its sorrow at the loss of a member of the clergy. It said he “has left to the House of the Father to enjoy his presence and glory.”
“We are grateful for all of the condolences from around the world, and especially for your prayers for the eternal rest of the soul of Patricio Sánchez,” the statement reads.
On Sunday, the church held a Eucharist in his memory, led by Cardinal Luis Cabrera, archbishop of Guayaquil, giving parishioners a chance to gather in prayer after the shock of the weekend.
Why the Crucifix Fell Is Still Unknown
The archdiocese’s announcement did not explain what caused the crucifix to come loose, and no formal findings about its condition or how it was mounted have been released. There are also no detailed medical findings on record. Police have not commented on the incident so far, Ecuavisa reported.
For that reason, it would be premature to draw conclusions about whether the fall was caused by a structural problem, a mounting failure or something else. Establishing what happened would require information from church authorities or investigators, who have not yet said whether any inquiry is under way.
Large religious objects mounted above spaces where clergy and congregations gather typically depend on secure fixings and periodic inspection, and the accident is likely to prompt questions about how such items are maintained. At this stage, though, those remain questions rather than findings.
A Livestream That Captured the Shock
Churches around the world increasingly broadcast their services so that elderly, sick or distant parishioners can take part, and in this case the stream captured both the moment of the accident and the immediate reaction in the church: people crying out, and parishioners moving toward the priest to help.
The video has since been removed from the livestream, which means many people trying to understand what happened are finding written reports rather than the original broadcast.
A Parish in Mourning
For the parish he served, Sánchez’s death is a painful loss. Priests lead worship, administer the sacraments and guide families through major moments in their lives, and his death came while he was carrying out those duties.
The Archdiocese of Guayaquil has thanked those who sent condolences from around the world. Further details about the cause of the accident are expected only if church authorities or investigators release them.
