- Father Javier Sánchez was engulfed in flames during a candle-lighting ceremony
A priest has died from horrific injuries after his robes caught fire from a candle spark during an Easter vigil in the Spanish city of Zaragoza.
He suffered 50 percent burns in the bizarre accident over the Easter weekend and lost his battle for life after four days in intensive care.
The priest, Javier Sánchez, was engulfed in flames during a candle-lighting ceremony at a Spanish monastery.
A cinder bowl surrounded by candles caught fire, shooting sparks that set his robes on fire.
According to reports, the 60-year-old died a hero while standing between the burning bowl and the nuns to protect them.
An investigation is underway as it is believed paraffin was used on the ember bowl to help it burn.
Father Javier Sánchez was engulfed in flames during a candle-lighting ceremony at a Spanish monastery
Father Sanchez was rushed to Miguel Servet Hospital in Zaragoza but suffered horrific injuries and despite the best efforts of doctors he later died after multiple organ failure.
‘The priest was trying to protect the nuns of the monastery when embers lit up in the basin used (for the fire) and ultimately caused his death. Apparently a flammable substance was used to ignite the fire. (The Easter Vigil) was held in the monastery,” said a source quoted by Spanish newspaper El Heraldo de Aragón.
Father Sanchez presided over the “blessing of the fire” – a ritual held during Mass on Holy Saturday, when the Easter candle is lit, and which continues for 50 days until the celebration of Pentecost.
The deceased was known as the ‘rock priest’ because of his love for music and because he had composed many songs. Over the course of his career he released three albums.
He also served as a priest at the Clinical Hospital of Zaragoza, in the parish of La Jota, and was also a television talk show host.
Sanchez was rushed to Zaragoza’s Miguel Servet Hospital but suffered horrific injuries and despite doctors’ best efforts, he later died after multiple organ failure.
In 2015, he starred in a controversial music video for his song ‘A tu aire’, in which he appeared only with angel wings and a guitar, which covered his genitals.
Tributes poured in, with one friend saying: ‘He was a very vital and much loved person.’
The Archbishop of Zaragoza issued a statement via the social network saying: ‘It is with pain that we announce that this morning the priest Javi Sánchez passed away. We pray for his eternal rest.”
Pilar Martinez, secretary of the San Gregorio neighborhood association, said news of the priest’s death had come like “a bucket of cold water.”
She said the priest had been “a good man” even though he had not been around long.
And the Brotherhood of Humility expressed its “deepest condolences and support to his entire family” on Facebook.
‘May the humility of God and the sweetness of Mary grant you shelter in heaven. Rest in peace. We will never forget you Javi. Provide us in glory,” the brotherhood wrote.