Their faith is unshakeable.
On Sunday, hundreds of worshippers came together at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Casa Grande, Arizona, after a fire, possibly caused by arson, severely damaged the main worship space. While the church’s worship area remains inaccessible, services have been temporarily relocated to the church’s community center, allowing the congregation to continue their traditions despite the circumstances.
Church member Betty Zambrano expressed her sadness over the incident, saying she was devastated upon learning of the fire. Another longtime parishioner, Lynn Wilson, shared her disbelief and feelings of immense grief regarding the situation. Father Ariel Lustan, the pastor, conveyed his sorrow alongside his community but also expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support and prayers received during this challenging time.
Father Lustan emphasized that the church would recover and maintain its schedule for Mass, confessions, weddings, funerals, and quinceañeras at the community center. He urged the congregation to refrain from speculating about the fire’s cause while the investigation is ongoing. Access to the main church building remains restricted as officials assess the damage, particularly in the sanctuary and choir area.
The Casa Grande Fire Department reported that the fire began on the west side of the church, near electronic and music equipment, and quickly spread to nearby offices and storage spaces. Fortunately, the church was empty during the incident, and no injuries were reported. The department is working in conjunction with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to investigate the cause.
As of now, it remains unclear if the fire is related to broader incidents of vandalism and violence targeting pro-life organizations and churches following significant changes in abortion laws. Investigators are looking into all aspects of the case as the community rallies to support the church during its recovery process.