Fire-Damaged Casa Grande Church Defies Adversity as Parishioners Unite on Sunday

The main worship area of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Casa Grande was severely damaged by a fire on Friday, prompting an emotional gathering of parishioners for their first service since the incident.

On Sunday morning, community members came together at the church, which is now blackened with soot and covered in ash. Windows are boarded up, casting a somber atmosphere over the beloved space.

“It’s hard,” said Betty Zambrano, a lifelong member. “I cried when I learned about it.” Her sentiments reflect the grief felt throughout the congregation.

Lynn Wilson, another longtime parishioner, expressed her disbelief at the situation. “Grief and immense sadness,” she said, struggling to reconcile what has happened with the cherished memories associated with the church.

Visitors from out of town were equally affected. Norman Papaj, who came from New York, shared his sorrow: “Sad… feel sorry for the parish.”

According to the Casa Grande Fire Department, the fire originated near the west side of the church, close to the electronic and music area, before spreading to the main worship space. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported.

For now, mass is being conducted in the church’s community center. Father Ariel Lustan, the pastor, expressed the emotional toll on the community. “It’s very saddening and devastating for all of us,” he noted.

Investigators are currently working to uncover the cause of the fire, with arson not ruled out as a possibility. “I’m hoping it was just an accident,” Papaj added, echoing a common hope amidst the uncertainty.

The police and ATF have become involved due to the extent of the damages and the church’s designation as a place of worship. The community stands firm, determined that this incident will not hinder their faith. “This fire did not stop us,” Lustan affirmed, noting that all liturgical activities will continue as scheduled.

The church community is resilient, as expressed by Wilson, who is dedicated to raising funds for the parish through her involvement with The Catholic Daughters of the Americas. “I promise this court will do a lot of hard work to make sure that happens,” she stated.

Community members believe they will rise stronger from this setback. “They will rebuild and hopefully come back stronger,” Papaj remarked, stressing that the essence of the church lies within its parishioners, not just its physical structure.

St. Anthony’s Catholic school, located in a separate facility, remained unaffected by the fire. Father Ariel confirmed that mass is set to proceed regularly, with services at scheduled times on Sunday in both English and Spanish.