Catholic Priest Killed in Crucifix Fall During Live Mass

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A Catholic priest in Ecuador was tragically killed when a crucifix fell on him during a live-streamed Mass, marking a shocking incident that has drawn attention to safety concerns in religious settings. Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari was leading a service at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Guayaquil on Saturday, October 17, when the heavy cross broke loose and fell onto him, according to Newsweek.

The incident occurred approximately 27 minutes into the online broadcast, as the priest was speaking to worshippers. Footage of the Mass captured the crucifix toppling onto the priest, and congregants rushed to his aid. Despite their efforts, he succumbed to his injuries.

The cause of the crucifix’s collapse remains under investigation, with no official statement yet confirming whether structural damage or faulty fittings were to blame. The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed the priest’s death in a social media post, expressing condolences to his family and his Redemptorist community.

Background and Religious Affiliation

Sánchez Molinari was the parish priest of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in the city’s Central Vicariate and was a member of the Redemptorist order, founded by Italian priest St. Alphonsus Liguori in 1732. The congregation has long focused on serving poor and isolated communities, with around 4,500 members operating across 82 countries.

The priest was known for regularly streaming his Masses through social media and a YouTube channel, sharing his faith with a wider audience. Earlier in his ministry, he had worked in Vinces, in Los Ríos Province, according to local news sources.

The tragedy has raised questions about the safety of religious fixtures, particularly in live-streamed services. As the church continues to investigate the incident, the community mourns the loss of a dedicated servant of God.

Source: Daily Caller

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claire.thomson