St. Anthony fire is a 'wound that strikes deeply to the soul' but 'grace of God heals all wounds'

I am deeply grieved by the damage and destruction that has taken place at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Casa Grande, AZ. A characteristic true to Catholicism is that our houses of worship are not simply places where we pray. Rather, they are imbued with holiness by the presence of the Blessed Sacrament, the waters of baptism, consecrated vessels for worship, and the grace that flows from the celebration of the Sacraments. The damage to the parish church is a wound that strikes deeply to the soul.

However, as deep as the wound may feel today, we must allow the grace of God to heal us, to make us strong, and to unite us in fulfilling His will. The truth is that the beloved parish church was not built on a foundation of concrete, steel and bricks. It was built upon a foundation of faith, hope, and love. And from that foundation arose a magnificent dwelling for God. Brothers and Sisters, let us be encouraged by the example of the generations before us. For we WILL do as they did, and once again build a structure to God’s glory—a structure that will be beautiful, functional, and a witness to our faith, our hope, and our love today. 

Again, the wound we have been dealt is deep, but the grace of God heals all wounds. Be assured of my daily prayers, my deep concern, and my commitment to be of every assistance as we move forward in faith.

May St. Anthony of Padua hold us in his heart and present our needs to Jesus Christ Our Lord, whose love for us can inspire us to be His Saints today.

Bishop Edward J. Weisenburger