FOX 10 video screengrab
CV NEWS FEED // Authorities suspect that the fire that partially destroyed St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Casa Grande, Arizona, was caused by arson.
The fire, which severely damaged the sanctuary and choir area of St. Anthony, occurred in October. It has left the church building condemned, preventing anyone from entering the premises.
Authorities released video footage of the suspect on November 16, Fox 10 Phoenix reported. The Casa Grande Police Department and federal authorities are investigating the fire, and federal officials are working to address the possibility threat of further arson attacks on churches. In recent months, several Catholic churches across the country have been targeted by arsonists.
“I hope it’s not a consolidated act by some people who are against our advocacies or preachings in the church, or teachings in the church, but everything is possible,” St. Anthony’s pastor, Fr. Ariel Lustan, told Fox 10. “The Church has been — and will be, according to Jesus Christ — the subject of persecution.”
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While the church building remains unusable, the parish has continued to hold services in the parish hall across the street. Fr. Lustan expressed relief that liturgical practices have not been interrupted.
“We do all of our Masses there, and funerals and weddings, so we continue our liturgical life,” Fr. Lustan said. “We always believe that the real church is the people.”
Fr. Lustan said parishioners have “a bit of closure” regarding the cause of the fire now that the video confirms it was likely a case of arson.
Regarding the individual who attacked the parish, Fr. Lustan said, “Forgiveness is there. We will always forgive, but justice must be served.”
CatholicVote’s Violence Tracker reported more than 400 attacks and vandalisms against Catholic churches in the United States since May 2020.
