On Friday, a devastating fire engulfed the St. Anthony of Padua Church and the nearby Franciscan convent in Iquique, Chile.
The situation is dire, and local authorities have not ruled out the possibility of arson as the cause of the blaze.
A Heartfelt Response from the Bishop
Bishop Isauro Covili of Iquique expressed deep sorrow over the loss in a video shared on the diocese’s Facebook page on October 11.
He described the event as a tragic blow to the community’s heritage, emphasizing the significance of the parish church and convent.
“This is such a lamentable situation for us. We’re mourning the destruction of a place that holds such historical importance for both the city and the region,” he said.
The church was designated as a historical monument back in 1994, adding to the sense of loss felt by the community.
Hope Amidst the Grief
Despite the devastation, Bishop Covili shared a message of hope.
He reassured everyone that the Church, embodying the spirit of Jesus Christ, will continue to thrive even in the face of tragedy and sorrow.
“We will carry on celebrating our faith and sharing the message of Jesus Christ, despite this grief,” he affirmed.
In his address, the bishop, who is also a Franciscan, expressed gratitude towards the firefighters for their dedicated efforts and acknowledged the support from local civil institutions and community members.
“I want to thank everyone who has shown their concern and shared in our pain. This place and the Franciscans’ presence here mean so much to all of us,” he added.
The Fire’s Impact on the Community
Reports from Chilean media outlet Cooperativa revealed that the fire also spread to three neighboring houses and a workshop, resulting in injuries to six individuals.
The community is reeling from the aftermath, and the effects of the fire extend beyond the church itself.
Investigation Underway
In light of the incident, prosecutor Gonzalo Valderrama has initiated an investigation to uncover the fire’s origins.
“We opened the investigation based on information circulating on social media. The Crime Lab of Police Investigations has been tasked with conducting a thorough evaluation,” Valderrama explained.
While no evidence of arson has been discovered yet, the possibility remains a part of the ongoing inquiry.
“At this time, we don’t have proof of intentional fire-setting, but it’s a theory that we can’t dismiss,” he noted.
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