An Ecuadorian Catholic priest, Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, has died after a large crucifix fell on him while he was celebrating Mass at a church in Guayaquil, Ecuador.
The tragic incident reportedly occurred on Saturday, October 17, 2026, during a religious service that was being livestreamed on social media.
A video of the incident, which has since circulated widely online, showed the priest addressing worshippers when the large crucifix suddenly toppled over and struck him on the head.
The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed his death in a statement released on Sunday, October 18, expressing grief over the loss of the clergyman.
In its condolence message, the archdiocese described Sánchez Molinari as a beloved priest who served as parish priest of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in the Central Vicariate.
“We announce that our beloved Fr. Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, CSsR., who served as parish priest of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in the Central Vicariate, has departed for the Father’s House to rejoice in His presence and glory,” the statement read.
The archdiocese also prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul, saying, “Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.”
Circumstances Surrounding Incident Remain Unclear
The circumstances that led to the crucifix falling on the priest have not been officially established.
As of the time of reporting, no official explanation had been provided regarding whether structural problems, faulty fittings or other factors contributed to the incident.
The tragic occurrence has attracted attention online because the religious service was being livestreamed, allowing footage of the incident to circulate on social media.
Priest’s Ministry and Religious Background
Father Sánchez Molinari served as parish priest of Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro, known in English as Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, in central Guayaquil.
He was a member of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, popularly known as the Redemptorists, a Catholic religious congregation founded in 1732 by Saint Alphonsus Liguori in Italy.
The congregation is widely recognised for its missionary activities and commitment to serving poor, marginalised and underserved communities.
According to local media reports, Sánchez Molinari had previously served in Vinces, a town in Ecuador’s Los Ríos Province, before being assigned to the church in central Guayaquil.
He was also known for livestreaming Masses through his social media accounts and YouTube channel, enabling people to participate in the religious services remotely.
Redemptorists’ History of Missionary Work
The Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer was established by Saint Alphonsus Liguori, who abandoned his legal career to dedicate his life to preaching and missionary work among rural and underserved communities around Naples, Italy.
During the 19th century, the congregation expanded across Europe, establishing communities in several countries, including Italy, Poland, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands.
Its missionary activities later extended to the United States, where members initially served Native American communities before expanding their ministry to immigrant populations, including Irish, German and Slavic communities.
The congregation’s work included religious instruction, pastoral care and assistance to communities adapting to new social environments.
The death of Father Sánchez Molinari has cast a shadow over the Catholic community in Guayaquil, with the circumstances surrounding the incident continuing to draw public attention.
D Reportorial Media
