A piece of news making rounds on social media is that a pastor in Mozambique has died after attempting to fast for 40 days and nights like Jesus Christ.

The founder of the Santa Trindade Evangelical Church in the central province of Manica, Francisco Barajah, was unable to stand, walk or bathe at the end of the 40-day fast.

He sadly died on Wednesday, February 12th in a hospital in the city of Beira. Local news reported that Barajah had refused to take water and food during the fast, sparking concern among friends and family.

A neighbor of the deceased said he fell ill on the 25th day of his fast and the illness worsened on the 38th day.

After seeing how much Barajah’s health had deteriorated, they were forced to intervene and take him to the nearby hospital.

The pastor, who also worked as a teacher at a French school, was diagnosed with severe anemia, internal organ damage, and an inability to digest food.

Doctors reportedly tried to rehydrate and nourish his weak body with liquid foods but to no avail. Unfortunately, he died in the hospital.