Tragedy in Guayaquil, Ecuador
Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari was born in Cuenca on November 6, 1973, and died on Saturday, October 17, 2026, after a tragic accident during a Mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, which was being broadcast live, when a large cross fell on him.
According to the account circulating about the incident, minutes before the accident, Father Sánchez was reflecting with the congregation on death and the importance of dedicating time to God. In a message he delivered—”One day, all of us here will also die”—the words took on a particularly poignant meaning after what happened, killing him almost instantly when the heavy cross fell on his head and back, as can be seen in the video of the Mass.
The tragedy has generated dismay among those who knew the priest and among the faithful who remember the spiritual value of his words.
Archdiocese of Guayaquil Images; Obtained by GBC News
The Archdiocese of Guayaquil, in memory of Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, CSsR, shared images of the Eucharist celebrated by Cardinal Luis Cabrera, OFM, Archbishop of Guayaquil, adding: “The Lord called him to His bosom last night, October 17, while he was celebrating Holy Mass.”
He was also accompanied by auxiliary bishops, priests, members of the Community of the Most Holy Redeemer, and parishioners.
We are grateful for all the messages of condolence from around the world and especially for your prayers for the eternal rest of Father Patricio Sánchez’s soul. 🙏🏻
Also the city of Cuenca, hometown of Father Patricio Sánchez, is preparing to receive him and bid him a final farewell this Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at the Santa Ana cemetery, where his family, colleagues, and the religious community—his faithful servants—will be present. For his 21 years of dedication to his mission and vocation as a priest, he will always be loved and remembered.
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