The tragic death of two priests in Ecuador has been reported following what has been described as a heroic act to save the lives of two altar servers.
The incident occurred on Friday, March 13, during a Lenten retreat in the coastal town of Playas, where the young altar servers had gone into the sea and found themselves in distress.
The priests, Alfonso Avilés Pérez, a parish priest in the Diocese of Daule, and Pedro Anzoátegui of the Diocese of San Jacinto, reportedly rushed into the water without hesitation to rescue the boys.
According to accounts shared during a Mass held in their honour, the priests were able to save the altar servers, who made it safely out of the water. However, the two clergymen tragically lost their lives in the process.
All the young people who participated in the retreat were later confirmed to be safe and out of danger.
In a tribute, the Church described the late Fr. Avilés as one who “generously gave himself for those entrusted to his care,” highlighting his decades of service and dedication to the faith.
The incident has drawn widespread sympathy, with many describing the actions of the priests as a profound demonstration of sacrifice and commitment to others.
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