Who Was Father Patricio Sánchez? Priest Dies After Crucifix Falls on Him During Livestreamed Mass Moments After Sermon on Death

A Catholic priest in Ecuador died on Oct. 17, 2026, after a large wooden crucifix fell from a wall and struck him during a livestreamed Mass, shortly after he delivered a reflection on death. Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari was leading the service at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Guayaquil when the crucifix mounted behind the altar came loose and struck him on the head.

The incident was captured during the online broadcast, with worshippers calling for an ambulance after the crucifix struck Sánchez Molinari. Footage of the service subsequently circulated on social media.

Father Patricio Sánchez Served Guayaquil Parish

Sánchez Molinari was the parish priest of Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro, also known as Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, in central Guayaquil. He belonged to the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, commonly known as the Redemptorists. St. Alphonsus Liguori founded the Catholic religious order in Italy in 1732.

Before serving in Guayaquil, Sánchez Molinari worked at San Lorenzo Parish in Vinces, in Ecuador’s Los Ríos province. He also regularly shared religious services through his social media channels.

Falling Crucifix Fatally Strikes Priest During Mass

Approximately 27 minutes into the Oct. 17 broadcast, the service was interrupted by the accident. Earlier, Sánchez Molinari had delivered a reflection on mortality. “Dear brothers and sisters, one day we will all die, and the time we spent on trivial things will prove far less meaningful than the time we invested in God,” he told those present.

Footage of the service showed the wooden crucifix falling from its position behind the altar and striking the priest as he stood before the congregation. Worshippers immediately called for assistance. Some could be heard shouting, “Father, Father! Call an ambulance!”

The footage subsequently circulated on social media. The archdiocese did not specify whether Sánchez Molinari died at the church or after receiving medical attention.

Archdiocese of Guayaquil Confirms Priest’s Death

In a statement following the incident, the Archdiocese of Guayaquil paid tribute to Sánchez Molinari: “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 archdiocese said.

It also expressed “solidarity, affection and love” for the priest’s family, friends and fellow Redemptorists. The archdiocese didn’t provide details about what caused the crucifix to detach from the wall.