Police have opened an investigation into the horrifying accident in which Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari died when a cross fell from the wall during his congregation in a church in Guayaquil, Ecuador. Now, a colleague of his has shared harrowing details about the cross, shedding new light on the immense tragedy
The tragic incident took place during a Saturday evening service on October 17. Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, 53, was speaking to his congregation from the altar inside the Church of Perpetual Relief in Guayaquil, Ecuador, when a large crucifix suddenly fell from the wall, striking him on the back of the head.
Just moments before the accident, Sánchez had been talking about death and the importance of faith. Then, the priest was knocked to the ground behind the altar and disappeared from view.
“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 told the congregation.
Footage captured the terrifying moment as chaos erupted inside the church. Worshippers cried out in panic as they rushed to help.
A preliminary assessment by Ecuador’s National Police classified the death as an accident, saying Sánchez had suffered a severe blow to the head. However, experts quoted by El Comercio believe prosecutors should investigate whether the case could amount to culpable homicide, meaning a death caused by negligence.
Earlier this week, the priest’s family broke their silence and demanded answers. Speaking to El Comercio, they called for an investigation into how the heavy cross fell in the first place and whether anyone could be held responsible for his death.
Family breaks silence
Patricio León, a relative of the priest, stressed that the circumstances must be examined.
“It may be God’s will, but an investigation should be carried out,” he said, according to El Comercio.
It’s unknown when we will get the full picture of what really happened, and who the authorities will conclude is responsible for the tragic incident. While the live-streamed footage shows how quickly the cruficix fell onto Father Sánchez, a colleague of his has now provided new details about the cross.
Speaking to EWTN News Español, Redemptorist priest Pedro Calle, who handles administrative needs of the Redemptorist Congregation in the Andean-Caribbean Province, including Ecuador, described what happened as “internal pain.”
Colleague of priest killed by falling crucifix shares chilling details about the cross
“He died doing what he loved,” she said. “It’s not so easy to integrate, to assimilate this situation because of the way and manner (of Father Patricio’s death). I could break down at any moment because of the internal pain.”
Calle, who lives in Quito, Ecuador, added that the cross didn’t break.
“He died embraced by the cross. The crucifix wasn’t damaged, only the leg part. It’s interesting how he celebrates the Lord’s Passover and the Lord celebrates his Passover with him… And Patrick died doing what he loved,” she added.
Rest in peace, Father. Our thoughts and prayers go to all those who knew him.
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