CUENCA, Ecuador — Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, a 53-year-old Catholic priest who died after a large wooden crucifix fell on him during a live-streamed Mass in Guayaquil, Ecuador, has been laid to rest in his hometown of Cuenca.
The priest’s remains were buried at Camposanto Santa Ana on Tuesday, October 20, following funeral ceremonies attended by relatives, friends, fellow clergy and members of the Catholic community.
Sánchez Molinari died on Saturday, October 17, while celebrating Mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, also known as Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro, in Guayaquil.
The service was being streamed live when the large crucifix mounted on the wall behind the altar suddenly detached and fell forward, striking the priest on the head. The incident was captured on the broadcast, with worshippers heard shouting for help and calling for an ambulance as they rushed towards him.
The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed his death and expressed condolences to his family, friends and the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, popularly known as the Redemptorists, of which he was a member.
Family Calls for Investigation
As the priest was laid to rest, members of his family called for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
According to Ecuadorian newspaper El Comercio, a relative, Patricio León, said the circumstances warranted further examination, despite the possibility that the incident could be viewed as an accident.
The Ecuadorian National Police reportedly classified the incident preliminarily as an accidental death caused by the impact of a heavy object. However, questions remain about why the crucifix detached from the wall during the religious service.
Authorities would need to establish the precise circumstances surrounding the incident, including whether the crucifix’s mounting system and supporting structure were secure.
Church Awaits Technical Findings
The Archdiocese of Guayaquil said it was awaiting a technical report from specialists to clarify what caused the crucifix to fall.
The church authority also stated that parishes carry out maintenance work on their buildings with support from a technical department. However, the cause of the fatal incident had not been publicly established in the reports reviewed.
The findings are expected to help clarify the condition of the structure and the circumstances that led to its collapse. Any question of legal responsibility would depend on the outcome of the relevant investigations.
His Final Sermon Draws Attention
The tragedy has attracted particular attention because Father Sánchez had reportedly been speaking about death and the importance of dedicating time to God and loved ones shortly before the crucifix fell.
In remarks shared from the service, he reflected on the fact that everyone would eventually die and encouraged the congregation to value the time spent with God, family members and other people.
His final message has since prompted emotional reactions among people who viewed the footage and learned of his death. While many have described the timing as deeply moving, the circumstances of the accident remain a matter for factual investigation rather than speculation.
Father Sánchez served as parish priest at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church and was part of the Redemptorist religious congregation, which is dedicated to Catholic missionary and pastoral work.
His death has left relatives, parishioners and fellow religious members mourning the loss of a priest who died while carrying out his ministry.
IBN News — Fearless, Strong & Reliable
