Heartfelt tributes have been left for a Catholic priest who died in Ecuador after worshippers witnessed a crucifix falling on him during a livestreamed Mass.
Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, 53, was addressing his congregation from the altar during a 7pm service on Saturday (17 October) when, around 30 minutes into the Mass, a crucifix hanging on the wall fell forward onto the back of his head.
Footage, which has now been taken down, showed parishioners at the Church of Perpetual Relief of the Central Vicariate in Guayaquil shrieking and crying.
“Father, Father… call an ambulance,” a woman was heard screaming, as emergency medical services were unable to save his life.
The church announced his death hours later. It’s unclear if Rev. Molinari died at the scene or at hospital.
El Universo reports that prior to his death, Rev. Molinari spoke to his congregation about dedicating time to loved ones and God rather than worrying about finances or work.
Rev. Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari died on Saturday during a livestreamed Mass (Facebook/Patricio Sanchez)
Just minutes before the tragedy, Rev. Molinari was reportedly talking about death.
“One day, all of us here will also die, and sometimes the time we’ve spent on things doesn’t have as much meaning as the time we spend with God,” he said, according to the New York Post.
“The quality time we give to God, to our brothers and sisters, to our husbands, wives, children, and family – that time is the best spent.”
Images from a Eucharist in honour of Rev. Molinari from yesterday (18 October) show the cross hasn’t been replaced, with its outline visible on the bare church wall.
The cross appears not to have been replaced (Facebook/Arquidiócesis de Guayaqui)
Paying tribute to the priest, church officials wrote: “We announce that our beloved Fr. Patricio Alfredo Sanchez 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.”
“Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen,” the post, shared on Facebook, added.
Following the shock death, tributes have been shared on social media, with one person writing: “Today the Church mourns, but also gives thanks to God. Our brother priest has departed to the Father’s House.
What caused the crucifix to fall is not yet clear (Facebook/Patricio Sanchez)
“A priest never dies alone, he dies having lived for others. With his hands he blessed, with his voice he forgave, with his life he taught us the Gospel not only with words, but with the example of his daily dedication.”
Another said: “May God receive him in His Holy Glory, one of the best Priests that our Perpetual Help parish has ever had. His passing is very sad, only God knows why it happened this way, we will miss you a lot Father Patricio.”
While a third commented: “My deepest condolences to the Church of Guayaquil, to its family, friends, and to the entire community that had the blessing of knowing this priest dedicated to God and to his ministry.”
Investigations into what happened are still ongoing.
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