Priest dies after crucifix falls during livestreamed Mass
A priest in Ecuador died Saturday after a crucifix fell on him during a livestreamed Mass, reports BritPanorama.
The Rev. Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, the parish priest at the Church of Perpetual Relief of the Central Vicariate, passed away as confirmed by the Archdiocese of Guayaquil.
In a news release, the archdiocese stated that Molinari “has left to the House of the Father to enjoy his presence and glory.”
The incident occurred during the Mass, which was livestreamed but subsequently removed. According to video reviewed by NBC News, a large crucifix mounted on a wall behind Molinari fell forward, striking him on the back of the head.
As he faced the congregation behind the altar, Molinari was unaware of the falling crucifix. He did not regain consciousness, and the video captured the panic of parishioners, many of whom were heard shrieking and rushing to assist him.
A Eucharist in his memory is scheduled for Sunday evening.
