A Catholic priest, Father Patricio Sánchez Molinari, has died after a large wooden cross fell on him while he was celebrating Mass in Guayaquil, Ecuador.
The incident happened on Saturday at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church during a service that was being livestreamed on social media.
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Sánchez Molinari was at the altar when the large cross hanging behind him suddenly detached from the wall and struck him on the head.
According to the Associated Press, footage from the livestream showed the heavy crucifix falling from above the altar and hitting the priest as he celebrated Mass.
The priest did not appear to notice the cross before it fell, while worshippers could be heard crying for help after the incident.
El Universo, an Ecuadorian newspaper, also reported that Sánchez Molinari was celebrating Mass when the suspended wooden cross became detached during a prayer.
Worshippers immediately attempted to assist the priest and called for an ambulance.
The incident was captured on video because the religious service was being transmitted live on social media.
The livestream footage has since drawn attention to the tragic incident and the desperate efforts by worshippers to help the priest.
The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed Sánchez Molinari’s death and identified him as a member of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, also known as the Redemptorists.
The religious congregation, founded in 1732, has a presence in about 80 countries.
The Archdiocese expressed condolences to the Redemptorist community as well as the priest’s family and friends.
Sánchez Molinari had previously served for several years at San Lorenzo de Vinces parish, which also mourned his death.
The circumstances surrounding the detachment of the cross had not been officially established at the time of publication.
Local authorities had also not publicly commented on the incident, according to the Associated Press.
The tragedy has prompted attention to the safety of structures inside places of worship, particularly the large cross that fell during the livestreamed service.
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For worshippers present at the Mass, the service turned into a tragic scene as they rushed towards the altar after the cross struck the priest.
Peculiar Adirika is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
