Hacienda Heights church fire was deliberately set
The fire that destroyed a Hacienda Heights church early Saturday was arson.
“Our investigation has concluded it was deliberately set,” said Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department spokesman Steve Whitmore.
The blaze destroyed St. John Vianney Catholic Church at 1345 Turnbull Canyon Road, causing an estimated $8 million in damage. About 100 county firefighters responded.
The church plans to celebrate Mass at the usual times Sunday in a parish hall.
-- Christopher Goffard
EDITOR'S PICKS:
I cant believe someone would deliberately cause this... Why would they do so this? In reality what does someone gain... Cant understand this. My wife and I were married at our church 6 months ago and each & every day day we are thankful for father ricky who helped us through the process. We are forever thankful to our parish!!!
Posted by: Raudel | April 17, 2011 at 04:11 AM
I pray to God that they find whoever did this. We have been in this parish since 1967 before our beautiful church was even completed, we would drive over highway 39 before the church was built and Father O'Callaghan the pastor at the time, was sooo happy when our church was finally completed. Only the Lord knows why something like this can happen. Our whole family it devistated and wish nothing but the best for all the parishonersm, sometimes things like this bring people together and I know that God has a plan. God Bless all the priests and parishioners of St. John Vianney and give us the strength that we will need in our new challenge of building our church once again.
Posted by: Della Arias | April 17, 2011 at 12:00 PM
The reality is that if God didn't want this church burned, it would still be standing. That is why He is called God.
Posted by: WrathofGod | April 18, 2011 at 05:35 AM
I feel so sad for all involved ...the priest, parishioners, community and even those who set the fire. I just can't understand why someone would deliberately set any kind of fire, especially set fire to a church. Everyone looses with this type of act, it is senseless and cruel. I sincerely hope who ever is responsible will either turn themselves in or be apprehended by the authorities and brought to justice.
Posted by: Sylvia C. | April 18, 2011 at 03:29 PM
I live not to far from the church..right on Los Robles and 9th. It was devastating to see our church burning fast!
Posted by: Terri Ordona | April 20, 2011 at 11:29 PM