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Plea from churchgoer as priest was killed by falling cross during livestreamed mass
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The harrowing words from a Mass attendee following the death of a priest during Mass could be heard on a livestream of the service.
Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, 53, was a parish priest at the Perpetuo Socorro Church in Guayaquil, Ecuador.
During a Mass on Saturday (October 17), a large wooden crucifix hanging on the wall fell forward and landed on the back of his head, killing him.
A video of the horrific incident started to circulate online, with social media users left shocked by the gruesome scenes, as parishioners could be seen running to his aid while calling for help.
Father Sánchez's death would later be confirmed in a statement, with the church detailing that he had served in the Central Vicariate.
Plea from churchgoer heard on livestream
Several churchgoers witnessed the incident, with many others watching the service via online livestream.
The video, which has been circulated online, features the shock of those in the church, with one woman audibly heard shouting: “Father, Father... call an ambulance!”
Sadly, emergency medical workers could not save his life.
Photos from church services after the priest's death revealed that the cross had not been replaced, with its outline still visible on the bare wall.
Statements confirmed Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari's death
Father Sánchez was a member of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, a Catholic religious order also known as the Redemptorists.
In a heartfelt statement, the church wrote: “We announce that our beloved Fr. Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, CSsR., who served as parish priest of the Perpetual Help church in the Central Vicariate, has departed to the Father's House to enjoy His presence and His glory.”
"Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen," they concluded.
Arquidiocesisgye also released another post on social media reading, “The Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer and the Archdiocese of Guayaquil invite all parishioners to participate in the Eucharist in memory of Fr. Patrick Alfredo Sanchez Molinari, CSsR. , who acted as a priest of the Perpetuo Help Church.”
The priest's final words revealed
According to reports, before Rev. Molinari's untimely death, he told his congregation not to waste their lives scrolling on their phones or working, but to dedicate themselves to God and their loved ones.
"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, per 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," he added.