RCC priest burns to death during Easter service in Spain
RCC priest Javier Sánchez. Photo: Mirror
On April 9, at a convent in the city of Zaragoza, Spain, Catholic priest Javier Sánchez's vestments caught fire during an Easter candle-lighting vigil, resulting in fatal burns. He spent four days in intensive care before tragically passing away from multiple organ failure, according to the Mirror.
Investigation revealed that a spark from the ember bowl fell onto his vestments, and the blaze spread rapidly. The priest suffered 50% burns all over his body. Investigators believe that paraffin had been used to help the ember bowl burn.
Javier Sánchez has been hailed a hero for apparently protecting a group of nuns and managing to shield them from the flames, when embers lit up in the basin.
As reported by the UOJ, during Easter Mass presided over by Pope Francis, a large icon of Christ fell from the altar, located in the square in front of St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican.
Read also
Patriarchs of Moscow and Serbia concelebrate at Trinity-St. Sergius Lavra
The Patriarchs emphasized the unity and spiritual kinship of the Russian and Serbian Orthodox Churches.
Patriarch Porfirije awarded Honorary Doctorate by Moscow Theological Academy
Patriarch Porfirije of Serbia expressed deep gratitude and humility, calling this award "a sign of our unity in Christ".
Hierarch of the Constantinople Church calls war in Ukraine fratricidal
According to Archbishop Elpidophoros, the war in Ukraine is not a "clash of civilizations" but rather a result of cruel political embitions.
Patriarch of Bulgaria: Orthodoxy grows not by force but by God's grace
Patriarch Daniel drew attention to the rapid spread of the Orthodox faith in countries with Catholic and Protestant traditions.
DESS states at UN: OCU creation strengthened religious freedom in Ukraine
State Service officials said that Ukraine had no problems with observance of religious freedom.
In Sumy, Met Eulogy officiates funeral of deceased military priest of UOC
Priest Oleksiy Kuznetsov, who died saving the lives of his fellow brothers, was buried with military honors at the Alley of Glory in the city cemetery.