CORONA — The massive fire that severely damaged Our Lady of Sorrows Church on Sunday was caused by wiring in the house of worship's organ pipe tower, according to the FDNY.
The blaze started at 5:45 a.m. and it took more than 100 firefighters two hours to put out, officials said.
Our Lady of Sorrows, which was built in 1900, is a hub for the neighborhood's immigrants. In November Mayor Bill de Blasio used it as a backdrop for bills he signed that have a "really meaningful effect on the lives of immigrants," he said at the time.
Masses and other activities have been canceled until further notice, and Our Lady of Sorrows Academy was closed Monday since the building was without electricity, the church said.
A woman at the rectory on Monday said church officials were in "shock" and could not comment.
Crews were inside the church cleaning out debris and workers were patching up the massive hole ripped through the roof of the church, which was still decorated for Christmas.
The Diocese of Brooklyn did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
