Fire in Ju?rez destroys church, spares Virgin of Guadalupe image

A fire destroyed a church in Juarez but spared a Virgin of Guadalupe image despite the fierce blaze. The incident took place at about 4:04 a.m. Wednesday, at San Agust?n Chapel at Paseos del Alba and Paseos del ?ngel Streets. (Jesus Alcazar / El Paso Times)

?? Photos: Ju?rez church fire

What happened in a little church in Ju?rez on Wednesday has many pondering the mystery of faith and the power of Mexico's patron saint, the Virgen de Guadalupe.

To some, it was a sign for a city devastated by four years of violence -- a sign of hope the city needs desperately.

While a fire ravaged the modest San Agust?n Chapel in Ju?rez early Wednesday -- destroying with it pews, church items and even a picture of Jesus Christ -- the image of the Virgen survived.

"It was something unusual," said parish priest the Rev. Benjam?n Gayt?n. "For us, it was like a sign of faith, a comfort for these difficult times that we are enduring right now in Ju?rez."

The cause of the fire was ruled accidental after officials found the chapel was illegally taking its electricity from a utility pole.

But no one can explain how the Virgen was not touched except for some ashes near her face.

"We have no explanation of that," said Capt. Martin Morales of the Ju?rez Fire Department. "The image had no protection at all."

The 2-by-3 foot image of the patron saint of Mexico is framed in wood.

The flames destroyed other images, such as that of St. Agustine, said Efr?n Matamoros of the Ju?rez Environmental Services and Civil Defense

department.

The fire also destroyed 40 pews, frames and several icons. No one was hurt.

The damages were estimated at $10,000.

The parishioners are ready to rebuild the church, Matamoros said.

"It was something out of the ordinary," said Gayt?n. "Very meaningful. It was God's sign for us to feel the closeness or our mother, the Lady of Guadalupe, to soften our sadness and to feel hope."

Marisela Ortega Lozano maybe reached at mortega@elpasotimes.com; 542-6077.

There is an account for donations at 128 801 0668 BBV Bancomer in Ju?rez.

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