Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari's last words, spoken during a livestreamed Mass on October 17, 2026, focused on the transience of life and devotion to God and family. Minutes before a large wooden crucifix fell from the wall of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Guayaquil, Ecuador, he told the congregation: "One day, all of us here will also die, and sometimes the time we've spent on things doesn't have as much meaning as the time we spend with God". He continued by urging people to prioritize "the quality time we give to God, to our brothers and sisters, to our husbands, wives, children, and family - that time is the best spent". During the sermon he also asked parishioners to put down their phones and devote time to God and loved ones, and he had just begun another prayer asking God to bless those present when the crucifix detached. The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed Father Sánchez Molinari, 53, died the same day. A Eucharist in his memory was scheduled for Sunday, October 18, 2026, and the circumstances of why the crucifix fell remain under review. May his gentle soul rest in peace 🕊️