Priest Killed as Giant Crucifix Falls During Livestreamed Mass in Ecuador
SCMP · 2 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
A Catholic priest was killed in Ecuador when a heavy wooden crucifix fell from behind the altar and struck him during a livestreamed Mass on Saturday. Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari was celebrating at Our Lady of Perpetual Help church in the coastal city of Guayaquil when the incident occurred. The graphic footage went viral on social media, showing terrified worshippers shouting for help before the broadcast cut out.
Key Points
- The tragedy took place on October 17 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help (Perpetuo Socorro) church in Guayaquil, a coastal city 265km southwest of Ecuador's capital Quito
- Video footage shows the large wooden crucifix detaching from the wall above the altar and striking Father Sánchez Molinari on the head as he addressed his congregation
- Horrified worshippers can be heard crying out "Father, Father! Call an ambulance!" before the live-streamed broadcast abruptly ended
- Emergency medical personnel were called to the scene but could only confirm the priest's death at the church
- The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed the death in a statement, saying the Redemptorist priest had "gone to the Father's house to rejoice in His presence and glory"
- Father Sánchez belonged to the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, a Roman Catholic religious order founded in 1732 with a presence in 80 countries
- Local authorities have not commented on the incident, and the circumstances that caused the cross to detach and fall remain unclear
Why It Matters
The viral spread of the graphic footage has raised questions about the structural safety of religious buildings during services. The tragedy has deeply affected the local Catholic community in Guayaquil, which is mourning the loss of a priest who served the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, a globally established religious order .
The viral spread of the graphic footage has raised questions about the structural safety of religious buildings during services. The tragedy has deeply affected the local Catholic community in Guayaquil, which is mourning the loss of a priest who served the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, a globally established religious order .