AVONDALE, Ariz. — Just four days after a massive fire destroyed a beloved Catholic church near Avondale, hundreds of members had to gather somewhere else to pray Sunday morning.
While the loss of their church is hard to endure, they're moving forward with unity and hope.
MORE INFORMATION: Avondale Catholic church 'total loss' after devastating fire
For many families who attended mass at Santa Maria de Guadalupe Mission in Phoenix Sunday morning, they’re still in disbelief.
“It was definitely a shock, considering the circumstances,” said Santiago Canales, who was visiting the church.
They are still coming to terms with the massive blaze that ignited at St. William Catholic Church near Avondale Wednesday morning, where they would normally spend Sunday morning.
“It’s so beautiful to see that Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission opened up their doors right away,” said Eduardo Nevares, the auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Phoenix.
“At the end of the day, we all are one community,” said Canales.
The cause of Wednesday's fire is still under investigation. It burned the parish hall, classrooms, and community food bank. The Diocese says the damage is beyond repair.
Since the fire demolished their home church, an outpouring of calls from people wanting to help the church community rebuild have been flooding in.
“I’m so glad that we have another place to be able to be gathered to worship,” said Nevares.
He said even though it’s two parishes in one during mass for now, the faith is still the same.
“Both communities have been very faithful to God through the many, many years, and they continue to be strong together in the worship of one God and father of us all,” said Nevares. “As St. Paul says, we’re the living stones upon which Jesus Christ continues to build his church.”
St. William Parish was fully insured, so the Diocese says the money raised in fundraising efforts will help staff and the community with uncovered expenses and needs.
“We hear over and over that Jesus Christ has died and that he is risen… now we’re living it, because even though the church has died, or burned to the ground, we believe in the resurrection,” Nevares said.
Now, despite the loss, their faith has strengthened, with a message of hope and optimism remaining strong.
“We are alleluia people, and so we continue to concentrate on Jesus and his resurrection, and he promises to be with us in all day and so in his word we trust,” said Bishop Nevares.
As the community comes together and plans for the new building, some are calling what happened “a blessing in disguise.”
“Because it’s going to unite us as a community,” said Canales.
“With Christ with us, our hope of glory, will help us to rise again with a nice, new church… the faith is alive, and the faith is strong,” said Bishop Nevares.
A diocese spokesperson told 12 News fire investigators plan to do another inspection on Monday.
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