Church Releases Statement Following Tragic Death
The church where a priest died after being struck by a falling crucifix has released a heartfelt statement explaining its memorial service and thanking well-wishers from around the world.
Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, 53, was killed during a 7pm Mass on Saturday, 17 October, at the Church of Perpetual Relief of the Central Vicariate in Guayaquil, Ecuador's largest coastal city located approximately 265 kilometers southwest of the capital, Quito. The priest, a member of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, was addressing his congregation from the altar when a crucifix mounted on the wall fell forward, striking him on the back of the head.
Footage of the incident, which was being livestreamed, showed parishioners crying out and screaming as the tragedy unfolded before them. The video has since been removed from public view.
Memorial Service and Church Statement
In an Instagram post, the Church of Perpetual Relief addressed questions about images shared from the memorial service, which showed the altar without the crucifix on the wall.
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.
The statement continued:
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.
Cardinal Luis Gerardo Cabrera Herrera, who has served as Archbishop of Guayaquil since September 2015 and was elevated to cardinal by Pope Francis in December 2024, presided over the memorial service. As the first cardinal from Guayaquil and president of the Ecuadorian Episcopal Conference since 2020, his presence underscored the significance of the loss to the local Catholic community.
The Archdiocese of Guayaquil serves approximately 2.234 million Catholics across 164 parishes, representing 84.9% of the total population in the archdiocese. In Ecuador as a whole, approximately 74.8% of the population identifies as Catholic, making the church a central institution in Ecuadorian society.
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.
Final Sermon on Mortality and Meaning
The tragedy occurred just moments after Father Molinari had been speaking to his congregation about mortality and the importance of spending quality time with God and loved ones rather than focusing on material concerns.
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. 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.
The Redemptorist Congregation
Father Molinari belonged to the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, commonly known as the Redemptorists, a religious order founded in 1732 by St. Alphonsus Liguori. The congregation has a presence in 80 countries worldwide with approximately 4,445 members, including 3,356 priests. The Redemptorists established their presence in Ecuador 153 years ago, with the first community arriving in Riobamba on 15 July 1870.
According to their rule, Redemptorists "strive to imitate the virtues and examples of Jesus Christ, Our Redeemer, consecrating themselves especially to the preaching of the word of God to the poor." Members take vows of poverty, chastity, obedience, and perseverance.
Tributes Pour In
Tributes have poured in on social media from parishioners and members of the wider Catholic community.
May the soul of our beloved Father Patrick rest in peace. Thank you Archdiocese of Guayaquil. Together in prayer.
Another commenter reflected:
Today the Church mourns, but also gives thanks to God. Our brother priest has departed to the Father's House. 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.
A third tribute read:
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.
Investigations into the circumstances of the accident are ongoing.
