A fire causes serious damage to the Catholic church of Casa Grande

CASA GRANDE, AZ – A longtime Catholic church has been filled with ashes after the sanctuary caught fire Friday morning.

Father Ariel Lustan said St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Casa Grande has been active for nearly a century. Its current building was built more than 60 years ago.

“In Casa Grande, we are the only Catholic church,” Lustan said. “All these years that we’ve done our best to not only beautify but to improve this church … and now they’re gone.”

The Casa Grande Fire Department said a fire early Friday morning caused extensive damage to the interior of the building, starting near the electronics and music area on the west side before spreading- yes

Police and federal authorities are also helping to investigate the cause, as it is a major loss and a place of worship.

At this time, they said they have no reason to believe foul play was involved.

“We can rise from the ashes, I would say yes we can,” Lustan said.

The church will meet at their community center across the street.

Lustan said he is encouraged by the outpouring of support both within his parish and throughout the community.

“It’s an amazing community,” Lustan said.