Arizona church welcomes new beginnings as arson suspect remains at large
Rebuilding process begins for Catholic Church intentionally set on fire
A Casa Grande church is reconstructing their church following a devastating fire in 2024 started by a suspect who remains at large. FOX 10's Megan Spector has the latest on their progress.
CASA GRANDE, Ariz. - A Catholic Church in Casa Grande is working to rebuild after an intentional fire destroyed most of its building in October 2024.
What we know:
St. Anthony of Padua is starting the process of rebuilding after the fire, which investigators believe was purposely set, devastated the interior. Despite the damage, the church’s priest remains optimistic about the future of the parish.
"We only lost the church—the building—but not the spirit of the church as the people of God," said Father Ariel Lustan.
The local community is coming together to celebrate the church’s history and support its reconstruction. Lustan expressed gratitude for the guidance and providence the parish has received and invited others to join the effort.
"The celebration means thanking the people who already helped us and those who will be helping us," Lustan said. "Asking God for his guidance and providence and, at the same time, inviting more people to help us."
Why you should care:
Parishioners are focused on turning the devastating incident into a new beginning for the church.
"It’s just a wonderful part of my life and I look forward to the beauty of the new church," said parishioner Mary Sonnleitner. "The church has always been there for all of us—always encouraging us. As Father Ariel always says, the church is not a building; the people are the church."
By the numbers:
Lustan said the church has reached 65% of its fundraising goal to rebuild. He noted that support has come from both inside and outside the Casa Grande community.
"You don’t need to be from Casa Grande; even if you are outside of Casa Grande, with a good heart, you can always help us," he said.
Church starts to rebuild following intentional fire
A church in Casa Grande is working to rebuild after an intentional fire destroyed most of the building in 2024.
What we don't know:
Police have yet to make an arrest in the case. While Casa Grande investigators released surveillance footage of a person of interest shortly after the blaze, no suspects have been identified or taken into custody.
New video released of possible suspect in fire at a Catholic church in Casa Grande adds to disturbing trend
New video was released of a church in Casa Grande going up in flames last month that ATF officials are investigating for possible arson.
What's next:
The church is moving forward with its plans, focusing on rebuilding as a community. Mass services are currently being held in the parish community center while the fundraising and construction process continues.
The Source: This information was gathered by the priest at St. Anthony of Padua and previous FOX 10 reports.