The city of Cuenca, Ecuador, gathered in grief on October 20, 2026, to say goodbye to Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, a Catholic priest whose sudden de#ath during Mᴀss shocked worshippers and religious communities across the country.

The 52-year-old priest lost his life on October 17 when a large crucifix fell from the wall behind the altar at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Guayaquil. The incident occurred while he was celebrating Mᴀss and was captured during a livestream of the service.

Days later, his remains were returned to his hometown of Cuenca, where relatives, friends and parishioners gathered to remember a man they described as devoted to his faith and committed to serving others.

A final goodbye in his hometown

Father Patricio’s funeral brought together people whose lives had been touched by his ministry. His remains arrived at the Santa Ana cemetery in Cuenca on October 19, where family members, friends and members of the Catholic community gathered for his wake.

The funeral service and burial took place on October 20.

Those who came to pay their respects remembered him not simply as a priest, but as a family member and friend whose vocation had shaped his life. Relatives recalled his upbringing and the values instilled in him by his parents, while fellow worshippers remembered his ability to offer guidance and comfort through his sermons.

For many in attendance, the gathering was an opportunity to pray, share memories and support one another through an unexpected loss.

A tragedy during Mᴀss

Father Patricio was celebrating Mᴀss at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Guayaquil on the evening of October 17 when the large crucifix behind him suddenly detached from its position and fell.

He was standing behind the altar facing the congregation and did not appear to see the object falling. Worshippers immediately called for help and rushed to ᴀssist him.

The incident was recorded during the livestream, bringing widespread attention to the tragedy. Church officials subsequently confirmed his de#ath and expressed condolences to his relatives, fellow clergy and parishioners.

The sudden nature of the incident left the congregation and the wider religious community struggling to comprehend what had happened.

Remembering a life devoted to faith

Father Patricio belonged to the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, also known as the Redemptorists, a Catholic religious order dedicated to preaching and pastoral service.

He had served in different parishes before becoming the parish priest at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Guayaquil. People who knew him remembered his commitment to his vocation and the importance he placed on helping others.

Relatives described him as someone whose calling to serve the Church had been evident from a young age. Parishioners also recalled his homilies and the sense of community he encouraged among those who attended Mᴀss.

His pᴀssing has prompted messages of condolence from religious communities in Ecuador and beyond.

Questions remain about the fallen crucifix

While the funeral offered an opportunity to honour Father Patricio’s life, questions remain about the circumstances that led to his de#ath.

The Archdiocese of Guayaquil said it was awaiting a technical report examining why the crucifix detached from the wall. Church representatives stated that maintenance work is carried out at its parishes with support from technical personnel.

As of the latest reports reviewed, the precise cause of the failure had not been publicly established. Father Patricio’s relatives also called for the circumstances to be investigated so that they could understand how the incident occurred.

The findings of the technical ᴀssessment are expected to help clarify whether a structural problem or another factor caused the crucifix to fall.

A community united in mourning

For Cuenca, October 20 was a day of farewell to a priest whose life had been closely connected to his faith, family and community.

Those who attended the funeral came to offer prayers, express condolences and remember the guidance they had received from him. Their presence reflected the impact he had made during his years of ministry.

Although the circumstances of his pᴀssing remain under investigation, the tributes have focused on the life he lived and the people he served.

Father Patricio Sánchez Molinari’s final farewell has become a moment of collective mourning for those who knew him. As his family and parishioners continue to grieve, they are left with memories of his faith, his kindness and the spiritual support he offered throughout his ministry.

Sources:

• Primicias — Family and parishioners bid farewell to Father Patricio Sánchez in Cuenca