In the wake of devastating wildfires consuming entire neighborhoods in Los Angeles, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles has mobilized to shelter and assist victims, including those who have lost homes, livelihoods, and even places of worship. The fires, which began on Tuesday, January 7, have rapidly spread due to dry conditions and hurricane-force Santa Ana winds, leaving significant portions of the suburban area in ruins. Firefighters are working tirelessly to bring multiple blazes under control.
Among the destruction, Corpus Christi Catholic Church has been reduced to ashes, and 65 Catholic schools have been forced to close, according to archdiocesan officials. Numerous other churches have also sustained damage or been destroyed.
Archbishop Gomez Calls for Prayer
Los Angeles Archbishop José Gomez urged the faithful to “keep praying for all those suffering” in the wildfires. In a heartfelt social media post, the Archbishop expressed solidarity with victims: “My heart goes out to our neighbors who have lost their homes and livelihoods. Let’s pray for them and let’s pray for our firefighters and first responders. May God keep all of our brothers and sisters safe and bring [an] end to these fires!”
Parishes Offer Aid Amid Crisis
Local parishes have stepped up to address the growing humanitarian crisis. St. Monica Catholic Church in Santa Monica opened its doors on Tuesday, offering refreshments and phone charging stations to evacuated residents, according to Angelus News, the magazine of the Los Angeles Archdiocese. Parish Life Director Merrick Siebenaler noted the presence of “dozens and dozens of parishioners and school families who have lost everything.”
Sacred Heart Church in Lincoln Heights transformed its auditorium into a resource center for evacuees. “We’re here to help out,” said Father Tesfaldet Asghedom, the pastor at Sacred Heart, as reported by Angelus News.
Schools Impacted by Wildfires
The fires have led to widespread closures of Catholic schools in the region. Poor air quality, wind damage, staffing challenges, and power outages forced these measures, archdiocesan officials said. Mayfield Senior School in Pasadena shared its heartbreak in a Facebook post: “Our hearts are broken at the damage and destruction caused by the fires currently raging in our area.” Although the school campus itself escaped fire damage, it was littered with debris and required significant cleanup efforts.
La Salle College Preparatory, also in Pasadena, announced it would remain closed until Monday, offering limited services for students whose parents needed to work. Classes would not resume until Tuesday at the earliest. “Please know that the safety and well-being of our entire school community is our top priority,” the school stated on its website.
St. Andrew School Principal Jae Kim described the emotional toll on families in Pasadena, stating, “Every hour, I’m getting a phone call from another family who’s lost everything.” He added, “You can hug them, pray with them, [and] listen to them as best you can. What else is there to do?”
Miraculous Stories and Calls for Vigilance
Amid the devastation, stories of faith and miracles emerged. Colorado-based Father David Nix shared on X (formerly Twitter) that a friend’s home in Los Angeles survived the flames after being blessed with holy water and adorned with a purple scapular. “Miraculously, their home is fine. Pray for all the others in the area (and them too),” the priest wrote.
California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency on Tuesday and confirmed the deployment of over 7,500 firefighting personnel. He urged residents to remain vigilant, follow evacuation orders, and prioritize safety.
As the fires continue to wreak havoc, the Catholic community’s commitment to prayer, support, and solidarity stands as a beacon of hope for those affected. The Archdiocese of Los Angeles, local parishes, and Catholic schools remain dedicated to providing aid and spiritual comfort during this challenging time.
