Father Patricio Sanchez Molinari died on Saturday when a giant wooden crucifix came loose from the altar and fell on his head while he was delivering a mass sermon that was being livestreamed. The moment of his death was recorded and broadcast to online viewers.
Incident During Livestreamed Mass
The large wooden crucifix was mounted on a wall behind Father Molinari when it suddenly detached and fell on the priest. He collapsed instantly, with stunned onlookers heard screaming off screen after witnessing the cross make contact with his head. Audible gasps spread through the congregation as it became clear the priest had been seriously injured.
"Father, father...call an ambulance," one female member of the congregation was heard screaming. Others present were also heard screaming as the video continued to be sent out via the livestream.
Wake and Funeral Arrangements
Family, friends, and worshippers have gathered for the wake at La Paz chapel in the Santa Ana cemetery in Cuenca, about 121 miles southeast of the Ecuadorian capital Guayaquil. Father Molinari's coffin arrived at the cemetery on Monday and was taken to the chapel at 3pm. His funeral is due to be held at 3pm local time today.
Father Molinari was remembered as a "kind priest" by mourner Eva Ayora, 73, reports Ecuadorian outlet El Universo. Leon Castillo, a relative of the priest, said he met Father Molinari when he was between 12 and 13 years old, calling him "an exemplary child." He added that the late priest had helped his father in a ceramics factory while a teenager and kept a close relationship with his family, with those family values influencing his pathway to join the priesthood.
Archdiocese Response
The family estimates Father Molinari dedicated about 25 years to the priesthood. Following his death, Cardinal Archbishop Luis Cabrera Herrera said: "We inform you that our brother, Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, who served as parish priest of the Perpetual Help Church, central vicariate, has departed to the House of the Father to enjoy His presence and His glory."
"The Archdiocese of Guayaquil joins in prayer for the eternal rest of his soul and expresses its solidarity, affection, and love to the Redemptorist family, his relatives, and friends. May he rest in peace," he added. It remains unclear how the cross was dislodged.
