Priest Dies After Wooden Cross Falls On Him During Mass In Ecuador

A Catholic priest, Father Patricio Sánchez Molinari, has died after a big wood cross fell on his head whereas he was celebrating Mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Guayaquil, Ecuador.

The incident occurred throughout a non secular service being livestreamed on social media, in response to the Associated Press and Ecuadorian newspaper El Universo.

Sánchez Molinari was on the altar when the cross hanging behind him grew to become indifferent from the wall and struck him on the top.

The Associated Press reported that footage of the service confirmed “a heavy crucifix detaching from the wall above the altar and striking Sánchez on the head as he celebrated Mass.”

According to the report, the priest didn’t seem to note the cross falling, whereas worshippers cried for assist because the livestream continued.

El Universo additionally reported that the cross fell throughout a prayer, prompting worshippers to hurry to the priest’s assist and name for an ambulance.

The incident was captured on video as a result of the Mass was being transmitted dwell on social media.

The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed Sánchez Molinari’s demise, figuring out him as a member of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, a Roman Catholic non secular order also referred to as the Redemptorists.

The Associated Press reported that the congregation was based in 1732 and operates in 80 nations.

In an announcement, the Archdiocese expressed solidarity and condolences to the Redemptorist group, in addition to the priest’s household and mates.

Sánchez Molinari had beforehand served for a number of years at San Lorenzo de Vinces parish, which additionally mourned his demise, in response to El Universo.

The circumstances surrounding the cross’s detachment had not been formally established as of the time of reporting.

The Associated Press additionally reported that native authorities had but to touch upon the incident.