Dioceses in Ecuador are mourning the loss of two priests who died this month after they rescued an altar boy who was caught in dangerous waves while they were all on retreat, ultimately losing their own lives in the water after saving him.
The tragedy occurred March 13 at the coastal town of Playas during a Lenten retreat for altar boys, according to Premier Christian News (PCN). Father Alfonso Avilés Pérez, 60, and Father Pedro Anzoátegui, 43, jumped into action when one of the boys had trouble swimming in strong waves.
They helped the boy get to safety, but the current swept Fr. Pérez away, according to local newspaper El Comercio, PCN reported. Fr. Anzoátegui attempted to save his brother priest, but the force of the water overtook both of them.
According to PCN, Fr. Pérez’s body was located shortly after the accident and Fr. Anzoátegui’s body was found on the beach the next morning. The Archdiocese of Guayaquil said in a statement that all of the altar servers on the retreat had been safely returned to their homes.
Masses were celebrated in the following days praying for the repose of the priests’ souls. Bishop Gustavo Adolfo Rosales Escobar of the Diocese of San Jacinto, where Fr. Anzoátegui served, celebrated a memorial Mass on March 16, PCN reported.
Bishop Cristóbal Kudlawiec of the Diocese of Daule, where Fr. Pérez served, said in a tribute that even amid grief, “one must trust in the Lord’s will because he does not err; his will is holy, and we, as mere humans, must always affirm this, even in moments when our soul is broken”.
According to Christianity Today, tributes have poured out for both of the priests, who are remembered for their faithfulness and devotion to service.
The outlet reports that a former altar server, who was not named, spoke about Fr. Avilés’ witness and care in formation.
“He raised us with temperance. He instilled in us the aspiration to be gentlemen, heroes, warriors — upright individuals and good sons of God,” the former altar server said.
In another tribute, Cardinal Luis Gerardo Cabrera Herrera of the Archdiocese of Guayaquil acknowledged that a shepherd’s death “always leaves a void,” according to PCN.
He noted that the priests did not consider the risk when they went to save the boy, but “simply reacted as a shepherd would react when he sees that one of his sheep is in danger”.