By Jacqueline Vega
Pictured above: A family’s statue of the Virgin Mary survived the L.A. wildfires. Courtesy Jackie Halpin
The most destructive fires in the history of California led to the miraculous survival of a beautiful Marian statue.
Beginning at approximately 10:30 AM on January 7, 2025, the Palisades Fire started southeast of Palisades Drive, followed by the Eaton Fire, which started in Altadena, and the Hurst Fire in Sylmar. Fueled by high winds amid dry conditions, these fires quickly spread and resulted in massive destruction, including that of an estimated 12,000 structures. (A previous Red-Flag warning had been in effect due to these conditions.) Voluntary evacuations began at about 11:44 AM, followed by mandatory evacuations at noon. Long lines of cars could be seen attempting to leave these areas, with other cars abandoned along the route, and California governor Gavin Newsome declared a state of emergency.
During the Eaton Fire a 37-year-old home belonging to the Catholic family of Peter Halpin and his wife Jackie was completely reduced to rubble. The contents of their home, which had been dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, were also destroyed, except for two statues of the Virgin Mary and St. Joseph. These statues had miraculously survived the fire and, although singed, were otherwise in perfect condition.
Peter and Jackie became aware of the statues’ survival from a photo taken by their son-in-law, who went onto their property despite the evacuation order. When Jackie saw the picture showing the statues still standing, she fell to her knees in emotion, and the couple returned to the site of their home to thank God for their safety and for the all the years they were able to spend there. They started singing a song they’d known for years to the Blessed Virgin Mary and made an Instagram video of the Marian statue which unexpectedly went viral.
In the words of Jackie: “The song [in the video] kind of came about on its own, so I just wanted to pray. I just want to be grateful as much as I can for what we’ve had”.
The Halpins’ message is simple: Always be grateful. God is always there and will augment any gratefulness you show. Although this could have been a time of despair, their story is a perfect example of what “leaning” into faith means. The light in this darkness is the heartfelt reception they have received from others after sharing their story.
Sometimes in the Catholic Faith we encounter random criticism from those who don’t understand, but it’s stories like these that inspire people and reveal the Catholic mindset: in dark times, always lean toward the Cross; it’s everything. If we allow Him, Christ always shows us how to find the light in everything, and He works through us to move mountains as necessary in order to survive, no matter how difficult it may seem. Always have gratitude because it increases wellness, enhances happiness, and decreases depression, allowing concentration and joy in the things that are left. As Catholics, we are called to practice this in the worst of times; look to God, look to light, and pray faithfully.
