Ecuador priest dies after crucifix falls during livestreamed Mass
Rev. Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari was killed when a wall-mounted crucifix collapsed onto him during a televised service in Guayaquil.
The Archdiocese of Guayaquil announced that Rev. Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, the parish priest at the Church of Perpetual Relief, died on Saturday after a crucifix fell onto his head during a Mass that was being livestreamed. Video reviewed by NBC News showed the large crucifix, mounted on a wall behind the altar, suddenly tipping forward and striking Molinari from behind while he faced the congregation. He was unable to rise, and parishioners responded to the incident. The archdiocese said a Eucharist in his memory will be held on Sunday evening.
"Molinari has left to the House of the Father to enjoy his presence and glory," the archdiocese said in a news release.