Church speaks out as priest is horrifically killed by falling cross during livestreamed mass

The church where a priest suffered an untimely death in the middle of a Mass has now spoken out.

Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, 53, was hit in the back of the head by a large wooden crucifix that was hanging on the wall, killing him in the middle of his sermon at the Perpetuo Socorro Church in Guayaquil, Ecuador.

Despite the best efforts of emergency medical professionals, the South American priest was pronounced dead at the scene.

Cries from churchgoers were heard in disturbing footage that has circulated online since the incident, as parishioners could be seen running to his aid while calling for help.

The Catholic community has mourned the priest's sudden death, with church officials now releasing an update on social media.

The priest tragically lost his life after a crucifix fell on him in the middle of Mass. Credit: Facebook/Patricio Sanchez

Statement from the church

The church where Father Sánchez worked shared photos from a Eucharist service held in memory of him.

Photos from the services following the late priest's death revealed that the cross had not been replaced, with its outline still visible on the wall.

The church, which detailed that he had served in the Central Vicariate, also explained why they chose to share media from the scene.

They stated: “We share the images of the Eucharist in memory of our beloved P. Patrick Alfredo Sanchez Molinari, CSsR., whom the Lord called to his bosom last night, October 17, while celebrating the Holy Mass.

“Cardinal Luis Cabrera, OFM. Archbishop of Guayaquil, celebrated the Eucharist, accompanied by the auxiliary bishops, priests, members of the Community of the Holy Redeemer and parishioners.

“We appreciate all the messages of condolence from different parts of the world and especially, your prayers for the eternal repose of the soul of P. Patrick Sanchez.”

Father Sánchez was a member of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, a Catholic religious order also known as the Redemptorists.

Arquidiocesisgye also released a post on social media saying: “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 was mid-Mass at the time of the incident. Credit: Facebook

The priest's final words

The original Facebook livestream that captured the tragedy has since been taken down, but translated footage including Sanchez's final words, shared with the congregation before the crucifix fell, has circulated online.

"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, telling his congregation not to waste their lives scrolling on their phones or working, but to dedicate themselves to God and their loved ones.

"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."

Featured image credit: Facebook