(ANS – Taisha) – “With hope in the Risen Christ, we sadly announce the passing of Fr. Enio Esteves. Until the very last moment of his life, he lived out his missionary vocation in service of the Amazonian peoples of our country. We are united in prayer for his eternal rest.” With these words, the Salesian Province of Ecuador announced the death of Fr. Esteves, who was involved in a plane crash on the afternoon of January 26.
The Accident
According to local media, the accident occurred at 6:00 p.m. on January 26 while the pilot was performing takeoff maneuvers from Taisha, in the province of Morona Santiago. Initial reports state that an explosion followed the impact.
The small aircraft was carrying out a missionary flight. After a day of community service, it was heading to Wasakentsa, where an overnight stay had been planned. Along with Fr. Esteves, two other people were on board: the pilot, Danny López, and a young community volunteer, Roberto Wisum.
A Life Given to the Mission
Born in East Timor in 1979, Fr. Esteves had been serving in Ecuador since 2009. Over the years, he held several pastoral assignments: first in Bomboiza, then in Yaupi, and finally, since 2023, in Wasakentsa.
Fr. Marcelo Farfán, Provincial of the Salesian Province “Sacred Heart of Jesus” of Ecuador (ECU), wrote: “We express our deep sorrow at his passing and extend our condolences to his family and friends. At the same time, we give thanks to the Lord for this great Salesian missionary, who dedicated his life to proclaiming the Gospel, especially among the Shuar and Achuar peoples of the Apostolic Vicariate of Méndez.”
Messages of Condolence
The Archdiocese of Cuenca also expressed its grief, recalling Fr. Esteves’ pastoral service in messages shared on social media. Words of sympathy were likewise offered by the Autonomous Municipal Government of the canton and by the Fire Department of Gualaquiza.
Funeral Arrangements
The funeral Mass will be celebrated on the morning of Wednesday, January 28, at the Cathedral of La Purísima in Macas.