Two Priests Die Saving Altar Boys From Drowning During Lenten Retreat in Ecuador

Two Catholic Priests Drown After Saving Altar Boys From the Sea During Lenten Retreat in Ecuador

Two Catholic priests have died after heroically rescuing altar boys from drowning in the sea during a Lenten retreat in the coastal town of Playas, Ecuador, on March 13, 2026.

Father Alfonso Avilés Pérez, a 59 year old Spanish born priest and member of the Society of Jesus Christ the Priest, and Father Pedro Anzoátegui, 43, of the Diocese of San Jacinto, gave their lives to save the young servers who were caught in dangerous waves.

According to reports from Ecuadorian newspaper El Comercio, an altar boy was swept up by strong currents and began to drown. Father Avilés rushed into the water and managed to push the boy to safety, but was himself pulled under by the force of the waves.

Father Anzoátegui then entered the sea to help his fellow priest, but both men were overcome by the powerful currents. Father Avilés' body was recovered shortly after the incident. Father Anzoátegui's body was found on the beach the following morning.

All the young retreat participants were confirmed safe and have been returned to their families.

Father Avilés had served as pastor of San Alberto Magno Church in the Diocese of Daule for nine years and had been a priest for more than 30 years. He was known for his dedication to family catechesis, Eucharistic adoration, and altar server formation.

He was the holiest priest I have ever known. He died living his law, the law of love.

Father Anzoátegui was ordained in 2010 and had served the parish communities of Santa Cruz de Durán and Santa Marianita in the Diocese of San Jacinto, working closely with local communities in Guayaquil.

A former altar server credited Father Avilés with encouraging young people toward courage and faith throughout his ministry.

Heroic Priests Sacrifice Their Lives to Rescue Drowning Altar Servers on Ecuador Beach

The Diocese of Daule and the Diocese of San Jacinto have expressed their grief over the loss of both priests, praising their selfless courage and lifelong dedication to their vocations.

The Crusader's Opinion

Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. Father Avilés and Father Anzoátegui did not hesitate for a single second. They saw children in danger and they ran into the waves without a thought for themselves. This is the priesthood at its most pure and most powerful. These men did not write theological papers about sacrifice. They lived it. They died it. In a world that mocks the clergy at every turn, that drags every scandal across the headlines for months, let these two names ring out just as loudly: Alfonso Avilés Pérez and Pedro Anzoátegui. Heroes. Shepherds. Saints. May God receive them with the words every faithful servant longs to hear.

Take Action

• Pray for the souls of Father Alfonso Avilés Pérez and Father Pedro Anzoátegui, and for comfort for their families and congregations.
• Share this story widely so the world sees the courage and sacrifice of faithful priests who gave everything for the children in their care.
• Support the Diocese of Daule and Diocese of San Jacinto by reaching out to their parishes to offer condolences and financial support for the communities these priests served.
• Encourage your parish to honor their memory at an upcoming Mass and remember all priests who serve in difficult conditions around the world.
• Support Christian ministry worldwide through The Shepherd's Shield, which defends and uplifts Christian communities in need.