2 Catholic Priests Die while Trying to Save an Altar Boy from Drowning - RIP Fr. Alfonso and Fr. Pedro

This is a deeply moving true story of sacrifice. It’s rare to see such a true embodiment of "giving one's life for another," and it’s clear these two men left a deep void in their parish communities.

Ultimate Sacrifice: Two Priests Die Saving Altar Boy in Ecuador

"He gave his life to save another." This sentiment echoed through the Archdiocese of Guayaquil, Ecuador, as the Catholic community mourned the loss of two priests. They drowned, on March 13, 2026, while successfully rescuing a young altar boy from the sea, in the canton of Villamil Playas, province of Guayas (Ecuador). At Mass celebrated on March 14, Cardinal Luis Cabrera, Archbishop of Guayaquil, entrusted the deceased priests to God and asked for prayers for their souls.

The cardinal asked for prayers for “our brothers Alfonso and Pedro, whom the Lord, in these circumstances, today fills with his grace and blessing.”

Bishop Cristóbal Kudławiec of Daule acknowledged the impact of the incident during a celebration for the eternal rest of Father Avilés.

A Final Act of Devotion

The tragedy unfolded during a spiritual retreat in the coastal town of General Villamil Playas. A group of clergy and altar servers were participating in a spiritual retreat in the coastal city, specifically in the Las Antenas area, near the Pacific Ocean. When a young boy was swept away by a powerful current, Father Alfonso Avilés, age 59,—born in 1966, in  Spain, from Murcia with over 30 years in the priesthood—and Father Pedro Anzoátegui, age 43, born in Guayaquil in 1982, dived into the water without hesitation.

While their brave intervention allowed the boy to reach safety, the relentless waves pulled both men out to sea. Father Avilés’ body was recovered on Friday, while Father Anzoátegui was found by rescue teams the following day.

A Legacy Built from the Ground Up

The loss has sent shockwaves through the San Alberto Magno parish in Daule, where Father Avilés had served for nine years. He was more than a priest to the local residents; he was a founder and a mentor.

• Community Architect: Avilés was the driving force behind the creation of the parish, literally building the church from its foundations.

• Approachable Leadership: Parishioners fondly recalled his sharp wit, wise counsel, and an "approachable nature" that bridged generational gaps.

• Heroic Conclusion: As one parishioner noted during the funeral, his final act was the ultimate testament to his vocation.

Final Farewells

The San Alberto Magno parish was overflowing this weekend as faithful followers gathered to honor the men. Following a funeral mass held in the very church he helped construct, Father Avilés was laid to rest in the metropolitan pantheon. Simultaneously, the community gathered to honor Father Anzoátegui, whose selfless bravery alongside Avilés ensured a young life was spared.

"The Archdiocese of Guayaquil expressed immense sorrow, highlighting that the priests' final moments served as a profound symbol of their lifelong commitment to their faith."

Sources: https://www.cope.es/religion/hoy-en-dia/iglesia-espanola/noticias/sacerdote-murciano-dos-fallecidos-ecuador-dio-vida-salvar-persona-20260316_3327116.html