Originally published at National Catholic Register
One of the fires has destroyed Corpus Christi Catholic Church and has forced the closure of 65 Catholic schools, according to archdiocesan officials.
Archdiocesan officials and local Church leaders in Los Angeles are working to shelter and assist victims of the ongoing wildfires there as the blaze consumes entire neighborhoods and lays waste to significant portions of the suburban area.
The fires began on Tuesday, Jan. 7, and quickly spread via dry conditions and hurricane-force Santa Ana winds blowing in from the east. As of Thursday morning multiple fires were raging unchecked across thousands of acres as firefighters worked to get the blazes under control.
One of the fires has destroyed Corpus Christi Catholic Church and has forced the closure of 65 Catholic schools, according to archdiocesan officials. Numerous other churches in the area have also been destroyed.
Los Angeles Archbishop José Gomez in a social media post urged the faithful to “keep praying for all those suffering” in the wildfires.
“My heart goes out to our neighbors who have lost their homes and livelihoods,” the prelate said. “Let’s pray for them and let’s pray for our firefighters and first responders. May God keep all of our brothers and
