
In the charred remains of their Southern California home, Peter and Jackie Halpin and their family found an unshaken symbol of hope: a statue of the Virgin Mary, miraculously untouched by the relentless flames of the Eaton Fire. Amid the rubble, their faith stood just as resolute as the statue itself.
“It was remarkable how everything had gotten fried, but the statue of the Virgin Mary and another statue of Saint Joseph were in perfect condition,” Peter Halpin shared during an interview on Fox & Friends Weekend. “Obviously, they were a little singed, but we just took that opportunity to pray.”
The Halpins, who had dedicated their home to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, turned to prayer and worship in the face of their loss. Together with their six children and extended family, they stood amid the ruins to sing a cherished family hymn honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary. The emotional moment, captured on video and shared on Instagram, quickly went viral.
“Our intention was not for this thing to go viral at all,” Peter said. “It was pretty much just a family thing, but the response from the community has been unbelievable and so heartfelt.”
Jackie Halpin described her emotional reaction to discovering the statue still standing, crediting her son-in-law, who had ventured to the property earlier and snapped a photo of the Virgin Mary amid the destruction.
“When I saw that picture, I fell to my knees,” Jackie said. “I knew then we had to go back as a family, not to mourn but to give thanks.”
The Halpins’ home of 37 years had been a sanctuary for family gatherings and acts of hospitality, a virtue they deeply value. Despite losing their house, Jackie was resolute in her gratitude.
“We’re going to pray. We’re going to thank God that we’re safe,” she said. “We’ve entertained so many people over the years. If we can do it again, that would be great. But for now, I just want to be grateful for what we’ve had.”
The Halpin family’s journey to the ruins wasn’t just about assessing the damage; it was a pilgrimage of faith. Standing on sacred ground that held decades of memories, they sang, prayed, and reaffirmed their trust in God.
“Our home has always been dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus,” Peter explained. “We believe in serving others and living out our faith, even in times of loss.”
The video of the family singing together among the ruins has resonated with thousands online, offering a message of hope and resilience to others affected by the ongoing wildfires.
Wildfires continue to ravage Southern California, leaving devastation in their wake. The Eaton Fire alone has claimed 16 lives, with no signs of slowing. Communities like the Halpins’ have been left grappling with loss, but stories like theirs provide a glimmer of hope in the midst of despair.
For the Halpins, the Virgin Mary’s survival is more than a coincidence — it’s a testament to the enduring power of faith.
“Seeing that statue was a reminder that God is with us,” Jackie said. “Even in the ashes, there is hope.”
As the family rebuilds their lives, their faith remains unshaken. Their message to others facing loss is clear: lean on God, give thanks for His blessings, and trust in His plan.
“Love, prayer, and gratitude — that’s how we’re going to get through this,” Jackie said. “And that’s what we’ll continue to share with others.”