During a mass celebration at the church in Guayaquil, Ecuador, Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari offered profound reflections on mortality and the importance of investing time in spiritual matters, shortly before he passed away after being hit by a wooden cross that collapsed on him on Saturday.
In his homily, the parish priest emphasized that people's lives pass through various activities, but often neglect what is truly essential, with the Lord being the highest priority. He warned the faithful that, like everyone else, they will one day die, and stressed that the time dedicated to God, family, siblings, and spouse is what truly deserves to be invested.
Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari reinforced the need to put God first, above financial issues, work, or domestic obligations. The religious criticized the tendency to focus on material goods or ephemeral things, diverting the true value from what belongs to God.
Questioning the congregation, he asked about the time dedicated to God and how that time was used, mentioning that often life is focused on using mobile phones, series, or movies, without remembering the Lord during the day. He asked when they dedicated a moment to the Lord during the Eucharist, which was being broadcast live on social media.
Shortly after these words, the wooden cross located behind the priest came loose and fell on him. Several faithful rushed to provide aid, but despite the efforts made, death was confirmed at the scene.
The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed the passing of Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari through its social media channels, expressing the desire to unite in prayer for the eternal rest of his soul. The diocese also expressed solidarity, affection, and care to the Redemptorist family, relatives, and friends of the religious.
The following Sunday, the faithful gathered for a memorial mass for the parish priest, whom, according to the diocese, the Lord called to His shelter. The archdiocese thanked the messages of condolence received from various parts of the world, highlighting prayers for the eternal rest of Father Patricio Sánchez's soul. To date, no explanation has been provided regarding the reason for the fall of the wooden cross.