‘It’s a miracle’: Catholic Church spared from Maui wildfires as blaze devastates surrounding town
Footage of a Catholic church standing unscathed amid Hawaii’s horrifying wildfires is doing the rounds on the internet, with many hailing it as a “miracle.”
A viral video posted on TikTok by a local Maui man on Friday shows businesses and homes smoking in the town of Lahaina after the fire ravaged the beach town.
However, the incredible clip shows that the Maria Lanakila Catholic Church and neighboring vicarage were unharmed by the fire.
“Nothing but Maria Lanakila,” the locals are heard saying as they search for more buildings reduced to ash.
Other locals also expressed their surprise on social media that the church survived the fire.
“With so many images of devastation and heartache, I wanted to leave social media tonight with a picture of hope and love. The Maria Lanakila Catholic Church on Wainee St. stopped and it’s beautiful!” Chef K, who owns the Maui Fresh Steatery food truck, said in one Instagram post.
“Established in 1928, the name means ‘Victory Mary’ and refers to the Holy Virgin Mary. Thoughts and prayers go out to those on the west side.”
“Basically, what we know is that the entire city of Lahaina was consumed by fire. It’s all gone,” Monsignor Terrence Watanabe, pastor of nearby St Anthony’s Parish, told the Catholic publication The pillar.
“The Church of Maria Lanakila is still standing, as is the vicarage. The school is a little affected.”
Rev. Terrence Watanabe, minister of Maui and Lanai, called it a “miracle.”
“It’s like a miracle for us,” said Watanabe Star Advertiser. “When we watched the news and saw the church tower rising above the city, it was a magnificent sight.”
It remains unclear how many parishioners of Maria Lanakila lost their lives in the fire.
The church is currently unavailable by phone due to the loss of cell phone coverage and the loss of the 911 emergency number in much of western Maui.
The Post has emailed a request for more information.
The Waiola Church, which celebrated the 200th anniversary of its founding in May, was less fortunate.
Waiola is the site of a historic mission founded in 1823. The cemetery next door is the final resting place for early members of the Kingdom of Hawaii’s royal family, including the church’s founder, Queen Keopuolani.
The Maui wildfires have destroyed more than 1,000 homes and caused countless destruction. The death toll has risen to 67, over 1,000 residents are still missing.
