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A priest preparing communion was fatally struck by a falling crucifix during a live-streamed mass in Ecuador, transforming a moment of adoration into a frantic race to save him.
Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari was standing at the altar of Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro Church in Guayaquil on Saturday when the large wooden crucifix behind him suddenly fell forward and struck him.
Video from the service shows screams breaking out inside the church as worshipers run to his side and call for help.
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Portrait of Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, a Catholic priest killed when a crucifix fell during mass in Guayaquil, Ecuador. (Patricio Sánchez Facebook)
The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed his death in a statement on Facebook, identifying him as the pastor of Perpetuo Socorro Church in its Central Vicariate.
“Our dear Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari…has gone to the House of the Father to enjoy his presence and glory,” the archdiocese wrote in Spanish.
“Grant him eternal rest, Lord. And may perpetual light shine on him. May he rest in peace. Amen,” the Latin statement concluded.
The tragedy occurred just a day after the archdiocese congratulated Sánchez Molinari on the anniversary of his ordination, Ecuadorian newspaper Primicias reported.
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Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari celebrates mass at Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro Church in Guayaquil, Ecuador. (Patricio Sánchez Facebook)
The mass was being broadcast live on social media when the crucifix fell, recording both the fatal incident and the desperate response of people inside the church.
“Father, Father… call an ambulance,” a woman can be heard screaming in the video.
Sánchez Molinari belonged to the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, commonly called the Redemptorists. Before serving in Guayaquil, he spent several years as parish priest of San Lorenzo de Vinces, in the Ecuadorian province of Los Ríos, according to Primicias.
Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, a Catholic priest, was killed when a crucifix fell during communion. (Patricio Sánchez Facebook)
His former parish mourned his death in a tribute on social media, remembering the dedication and pastoral love he brought to his community, El Universo reported.
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The cause of the fall of the crucifix remained unclear on Sunday. Church officials have not publicly provided an explanation for the collapse.
Gn world
