Catholic Priest Lost His Life After Large Wooden Cross Falls on Him During Mass
A Catholic priest died after a large wooden cross fell from a church wall and struck him while he was celebrating Mass in Guayaquil, Ecuador.
The Archdiocese of Guayaquil identified the priest as Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, who served at the Church of Perpetual Help under the Central Vicariate. His sudden death brought sadness to the church community and the people he had served.
Reports said the incident happened while the priest was leading a Mass that was being livestreamed on social media. During the service, a large wooden cross mounted behind the altar suddenly fell and hit Sánchez on the head.
The livestream captured the frightening moment when the heavy cross came crashing down on the priest. People inside the church immediately rushed to seek help as they realized what had happened.
The broadcast also captured people calling for an ambulance before the livestream eventually ended. The incident shocked viewers who witnessed the accident through the online video.
Following the priest’s death, the Archdiocese of Guayaquil released a statement expressing its grief and offering condolences to his family, friends, and the church community. The archdiocese also recognized the loss of a priest who had dedicated his service to the Catholic Church and the people under his care.
As of the latest reports, authorities have not released an official explanation for why the large cross fell from the wall. Local officials have also yet to issue a statement regarding the incident.
The tragedy has raised concerns about safety inside places of worship, where heavy decorations and religious structures are often mounted on walls above areas used during services.
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