Priest dies after crucifix falls on him during livestreamed Mass in Ecuador

Catholics in Ecuador are mourning the death of a local priest who was killed Oct. 17 after a large crucifix fell on him as he was celebrating Mass. 

The crucifix abruptly detached from the wall above the altar and struck Father Patricio Sánchez, a member of the the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, on the head as he celebrated the livestreamed liturgy at Perpetuo Socorro Church in the Archdiocese of Guayaquil, according to AP News. He did not see the crucifix falling. 

Before the heavy cross struck him, the last word the priest pronounced during the liturgy’s prayers was “Lord,” Catholic political commentator Michael Knowles observed on his Oct. 19 podcast. First Post reported Oct. 19 that those who attended the Mass cried out with concern as it fell and the livestream was cut off shortly after, and though emergency responders hurried to the scene, Father Sánchez died from his injuries later in the evening, according to the outlet. 

The beloved priest “has departed to the House of the Father to enjoy His presence and glory,” the archdiocese said in an Oct. 17 statement.

The archdiocese closed the statement with the traditional prayer for the dead: “Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.”

According to First Post, Father Sánchez preached that day about the importance of prioritizing spiritual treasures over temporal ones, as the latter are fleeting. 

“The incident took place shortly after the priest had delivered a homily reflecting on the fleeting nature of human life,” the outlet reported. “He had urged worshippers to prioritise their spiritual lives over worldly distractions, including excessive use of mobile phones, witnesses reportedly said.”

Authorities have not commented on the incident, and the cause of the crucifix’s dismantling from the wall remains unknown.