SAN GABRIEL, Calif. – Mass was celebrated Sunday on the grounds of an historic Catholic church in Southern California that had been heavily damaged by fire a day earlier.
The blaze early Saturday destroyed the rooftop and most of the interior of San Gabriel Mission, which was undergoing renovation to mark its upcoming 250th anniversary celebration.Archbishop Jose H.
Gomez presided over Sunday's service at a chapel near the burned sanctuary. Liccia Beck said she was saddened by news of the fire at her home parish.
She was among a crowd of worshipers which arrived early to pray the rosary before the Mass. “I’m hoping that more people will show up throughout the day,” Beck said.