A Catholic community in Guayaquil, Ecuador, is mourning the death of Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari after a large wooden crucifix fell on him during Mass on Saturday, October 17, 2026.
The priest was celebrating the service at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church when the crucifix detached from its position behind the altar and struck him. The Mass was being livestreamed, and footage captured the moment worshippers rushed forward to help and called for medical assistance.
The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed his death and expressed condolences to his family, friends and fellow members of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, also known as the Redemptorists.
The cause of the crucifix falling has not been officially established in the reporting available so far. The incident has prompted an outpouring of grief among members of the local Catholic community.
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