By our reporter 18.10.2026
A Catholic priest Father Patricio Sánchez has died after a huge wooden crucifix fell on him during Mass in Guayaquil, Ecuador.
The freak incident happened on Saturday, October 17, at the parish of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, located at the Central Vicariate of the Ecuadorian archdiocese.
It left parishioners in awe and attracting comments online with some sympathetic and others joking over the twist of fate, suggesting that Jesus must have grown tired of him praying while secretly living a double life.
The heavy cross got detached from where it was hung on the alter and hit the priest on the head, during the Mass which was being live-streamed. Father Sánchez collapsed and was later confirmed dead.
The Archdiocese of Guayaquil issued a statement confirming the death of Father Sánchez.
Some comments on X
@dharmaspirit: “What a good death for a father. Symbolically, Christ took him, it was immediate, he didn’t realize it and he was doing what he loved.”
@nicelyPIUS: “Very unfortunate incident, this is due to human negligence than anything spiritual. May God forgive his shortcomings and accept his soul.”
@donnie_torres6: “I don’t practice any religion, but it’s regrettable what happened; my deepest condolences to the father and his family.”
@RJCE420·: “That cross was not properly secured. RIP loyal servant of the lamb.”