A priest has passed away this morning at the Miguel Servet Hospital in Zaragoza, as a result of serious burns suffered after a candle caught his robe on fire during the Easter Vigil Mass. The incident occurred on the night of Holy Saturday, as the priest was celebrating the Vigil in the convent of the Franciscan Conceptionist nuns in the neighborhood of Santa Isabel in Zaragoza. During the ceremony, the priest was engulfed in flames when a spark ignited his vestments while lighting the Paschal candle. The burns covered over 50% of his body, and despite being rushed to the ICU, he did not survive. After five days in a medically induced coma, the priest passed away this morning after receiving the last rites from the Bishop’s Office.
The priest, Javier Sánchez, was known for his love of music and was often referred to as “the rockstar priest”. He was a singer-songwriter and composer, with his own channel on YouTube where he shared his concerts and songs, some of which were very successful. Born in Madrid, he was ordained in 1995 and arrived in Zaragoza a year later. Throughout his career, he served as a chaplain in two hospitals and as a parish priest in various churches. He had been the parish priest of the San Gregorio neighborhood in Zaragoza since 2019, and also served as the chaplain of the convent where the accident occurred. Known for his activism and collaboration, he was remembered by his community as a kind and willing collaborator in various projects and activities.
Members of the local community, including those from the parish and various organizations he worked with, expressed their shock and sadness at the news of his passing. He was described as a good man who was always willing to lend a hand and support various causes. His involvement in the local community, including his support of the local Jazz festival and collaboration with the Brotherhood of Humility, left a lasting impact on those who knew him. His funeral will be held on Friday at noon in the church where he served as the chaplain, presided over by the Archbishop of Zaragoza. There will also be a farewell ceremony held in the parish of Santa Isabel, the same neighborhood where he lived for many years.
The loss of the priest has deeply affected those who knew him personally and worked with him closely. His dedication to his ministry and his community, as well as his love for music and involvement in various charitable activities, have left a lasting legacy. His passing has brought together members of the local community to mourn his loss and celebrate his life and contributions. The Bishop’s Office and the local community have paid tribute to his memory and expressed their condolences to his family and loved ones. The legacy of his work and his memory will be remembered and cherished by all who knew and worked alongside him.
