A priest in Ecuador died Saturday after a crucifix fell on him during a livestreamed Mass, according to church officials and a video of the incident. The Reverend Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari died on Saturday, the Archdiocese of Guayaquil announced. He was pastor of the Central Vicariate Church of Perpetual Help, the archdiocese said. Molinari “has departed to the Father’s House to enjoy his presence and glory,” he said in a press release. The mass was broadcast live, but the video was removed. The video, reviewed by NBC News, showed a large crucifix hanging on a wall behind Molinari suddenly falling forward onto the back of his head. Molinari was behind the altar, facing the congregation, and did not see the crucifix fall behind him. Molinari did not get up and in the video parishioners can be heard screaming and crying. Some rush to attend to him. A Eucharist in his memory is planned for Sunday afternoon.
