Priest Killed After Massive Wooden Crucifix Falls During Livestreamed Mass in Ecuador

GUAYAQUIL, ECUADOR — A Catholic priest has died following a horrifying accident during a livestreamed Mass in Ecuador after a massive wooden crucifix suddenly detached from the wall and struck him in front of stunned worshippers.

Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari was celebrating Mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, also known as Perpetuo Socorro Church, in Guayaquil on Saturday evening, October 17, when the tragedy occurred.

The incident happened shortly after 7 p.m. local time, approximately 27 minutes into the religious service, which was being broadcast live on social media.

Video footage shows Father Sánchez Molinari standing near the altar as a prayer was being recited. Without warning, the enormous wooden crucifix mounted behind him suddenly came loose and fell forward, striking the priest directly on the head.

Horrified parishioners immediately screamed and rushed toward the altar to assist him. One woman could be heard repeatedly calling out to the priest as others desperately demanded that an ambulance be summoned. The livestream ended moments after the accident.

Despite efforts to assist him, Father Sánchez Molinari died from his injuries.

The Archdiocese of Guayaquil subsequently confirmed his death in an official statement issued by Cardinal Luis Cabrera Herrera, Archbishop of Guayaquil.

The Archdiocese expressed its condolences and solidarity with the priest’s family, friends, and fellow members of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, also known as the Redemptorists.

In a particularly heartbreaking detail, Father Sánchez Molinari had celebrated his anniversary of priestly ordination just one day before his death.

Born in Cuenca, Ecuador, in 1973, the priest had dedicated years of his life to serving Catholic communities throughout the country. Before leading Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, he served for several years as a parish priest in Vinces, in Ecuador’s Los Ríos province.

His final Mass also included a reflection on mortality that has since taken on an especially emotional significance.

Shortly before the accident, Father Sánchez Molinari reminded worshippers that everyone eventually faces death and encouraged them to consider how much of their lives they dedicate to work, money, everyday concerns, their loved ones, and their relationship with God.

Only minutes later, the falling crucifix brought the religious service to a devastating end.

Footage of the incident has since circulated widely across social media, prompting an outpouring of grief, disbelief, and condolences from viewers around the world.

As of Sunday, October 18, the exact reason the massive crucifix detached from the church wall remains unknown. Officials have not publicly established whether the collapse resulted from structural deterioration, an installation failure, or another cause.

On Sunday morning, mourners dressed in black and carrying flowers returned to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church for a special Mass honoring the late priest.

Members of the congregation remembered Father Sánchez Molinari as a humble, approachable, and devoted spiritual leader whose ministry touched countless lives.

The parish also announced a nine-day period of prayer in his memory.

The tragedy has left an entire religious community mourning a priest who lost his life inside the very church where he had dedicated himself to serving others.

Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari was 53 years old.