Rev. Peter G. Wehrle, the pastor of Our Lady of the Lake Church, sent this email to his congregation this afternoon about today’s fire:
There was a fire in Our Lady of the Lake church during the early hours of the morning. We are grateful for the efforts of the police, firefighters and first responders who were on the scene to extinguish the flames. Fortunately, the structure appears to be sound, but the church is heavily damaged. The parish community is heartbroken. However, we are grateful that no one was injured, and we have faith that we will get through this difficult time and request the community to keep those affected in their prayers. That faith teaches us that we are all created in the image and likeness of God and that we must ask Him to help guide everyone into the way of His peace. At an Interfaith Ramadan meal hosted by the Verona Clergy Council last night, members of the Jewish, Muslim and Christian houses of worship gathered to speak of how we all use fasting in our faith traditions as a means of growing closer to God. I ask that all join us as we pray for an end to hatred and violence in all forms.
Beginning tomorrow morning, all Masses will take place in the OLL School auditorium. Please use the entrance facing Lakeside Avenue. Cleaning crews are currently at work in the church and when they finish, we will be able to see when we can return to our beloved worship space. As we obtain further information, that will be posted on our parish website, OLLVerona.org. Please note that due to the nature of the incident, there is an ongoing investigation, and no further comments can be made. Media inquiries should be directed to Maria Margiotta, spokesperson for the Archdiocese of Newark, at [email protected].
Pax et bonum
Please show us pictures of the damage that this Person done to our lady of the lake church. We people of Verona, need to know what the extent of the damage is..
We’d love to. But since the fire, neither parishioners nor the press have been allowed in.