A Catholic priest in Ecuador was tragically killed when a large wooden crucifix fell on him during a livestreamed Mass, leaving worshippers horrified and scrambling to help save his life.

Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari was preparing to distribute Communion on Saturday at Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro Church in Guayaquil when the crucifix mounted behind the altar suddenly came crashing down and struck him.

The shocking incident unfolded before parishioners and viewers watching the service online.

Video footage captured the moment the crucifix fell, followed by screams and confusion as churchgoers rushed toward the fallen priest. Several people gathered around him, while others desperately called for medical assistance.

“Father, Father … call an ambulance,” a woman can be heard shouting in the recording.

Despite efforts to help him, Sánchez Molinari later died from his injuries.

The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed his death in a statement shared on Facebook and mourned the loss of the beloved parish priest.

“Our dear Fr. Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari … has departed to the Father’s House to enjoy His presence and His glory,” the archdiocese wrote in Spanish.

The statement concluded with a traditional Catholic prayer for the deceased: “Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.”

The tragedy came one day after the archdiocese had publicly congratulated Sánchez Molinari on the anniversary of his priestly ordination, according to Ecuadorian news outlet Primicias.

Sánchez Molinari was a member of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, commonly known as the Redemptorists, a Catholic religious community dedicated to preaching the Gospel and serving those in spiritual need.

Before his assignment in Guayaquil, he spent several years serving as a parish priest at San Lorenzo in Vinces, located in Ecuador’s Los Ríos province.

His former parish also shared a tribute following his death, remembering his dedication to the Church and the pastoral love he showed the community during his years of ministry.

The circumstances surrounding the crucifix’s collapse remain unclear, and church officials had not publicly explained what caused the large wooden structure to fall as of Sunday.

The priest’s sudden death has left his parish community mourning a spiritual leader who spent his final moments serving his congregation during Mass.

Lord, grant Father Patricio eternal rest and bring comfort, peace, and strength to his family, fellow priests, and grieving parishioners. Amen.