After the fire: “We are blessed with good, good people”

Father Edward Smith celebrates Mass in Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Academy auditorium in a makeshift worship space Jan. 11. (Photo: Marie Elena Giossi / The Tablet)

Several days ago, I posted on this devastating fire that hit a church in my diocese.

Now a followup, giving witness to the resilience and faith of this remarkable parish.

From The Tablet:

On the first weekend after fire burned through the choir loft and roof of Our Lady of Sorrows Church, Corona, the parish family was busier than ever – keeping the regular Mass schedule, volunteering where needed and helping each other move forward.

Signs posted around the church grounds direct parishioners to Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Academy, where daily and weekend Masses are being held in the auditorium. A statue of the parish patroness sits on stage beside a makeshift altar table and lectern.

The auditorium and balcony were standing-room-only for most of the 12 weekend Masses celebrated Jan. 10-11. On Sunday, overflow crowds were directed to a 500-seater heated tent in the parking lot, where Mass aired live on four large screens and extraordinary ministers distributed the Eucharist.

Parishioners came by the thousands just as they had the previous Sunday, Jan. 4, when Masses were cancelled due to an early morning fire. About 20 people were in church preparing for Mass when an usher saw a spark in the choir loft around 5:45 a.m.

Firefighters contained the blaze, which was likely caused by an electrical issue. The sanctuary was spared but structural engineers have restricted access to the building while assessing the extent of the damages. The cost and timeframe for repairs have yet to be determined.

Shock, fear and confusion were among the emotions felt by the community, who stood and prayed outside the church in the hours following the fire.

“It was terrible,” said Msgr. Thomas Healy, pastor, with tears in his eyes. “This church is really a place of refuge. It’s home to people who have very little. They come here and feel safe and welcome. They love their church. And I love the parish.”

“We’re blessed with good, good people,” he added, noting his gratitude for the parish family and also diocesan officials, who responded quickly and have helped guide him through these difficult days.

Msgr. Healy, 74, who’s served the parish for 24 years, is getting ready to retire in June. Father Raymond Roden has been named his successor.

“I’m supposed to be retired and playing golf. I don’t play golf,” he said, laughing.

He is heartbroken to see the church in this condition but said it is important to laugh and “see the bright side of things.”

If the fire had started an hour earlier, no one would have been in church to call 911. An hour later and 600 people would have been scrambling to escape.

“Thank God nobody was hurt,” he said, “but at the same time, this is our church and it’s a symbol of so much for this community. …

“We’re strong and we’re organized and we’re going to do whatever has to be done,” said the monsignor.

Read it all — and remember these good people in your prayers.