In the wake of the devastating Eaton wildfire, a moment of unlikely serenity emerges. While the flames ravaged the Pasadena Waldorf School, one item withstood the inferno—a statue of St. Francis of Assisi. Many are calling this miraculous survival a symbol of hope amid chaos.
Blair Manzke, a 5th-grade teacher at the school, expressed the sentiment shared by faculty and students alike. ‘There’s a tranquility to St. Francis that we all need right now,’ Manzke told PEOPLE. This statue, standing three feet tall, remains a poignant reminder of resilience. As fires destroyed the school’s Paquita Lick Machris Campus, the intact figure of St. Francis emitted an unexpected calm.
The statue was bought by teacher Justin Loeser in 2014, following a previous electrical fire that burned down his second-grade classroom. He remembers lowering the dirt around the statue and saying, ‘There are children here who called this home who need your help to feel safe.’ It was a plea for guidance and protection that has now taken on new meaning.
So many were affected by the Eaton fire. The campus served children from preschool to 8th grade. With the destruction of the building, countless families faced tremendous loss, including many school staff and their homes. It’s heart-wrenching. Manzke shared her emotional response, stating, ‘I mean, to have it just go so quickly.’
The famous Prayer of St. Francis resonates deeply in these trying times. Manzke reflects on the words, pondering their significance. ‘Where there’s darkness, let me bring light,’ she reminds herself and her colleagues. In an environment marked by loss, these simple phrases evoke a sense of peace and inspire hope.
As the school community grapples with rebuilding, attention remains focused on the glorious statue. It currently resides at the nearby Mendocino St. Campus, where the preschool and high school continue operations. This small symbol of faith stands tall. It represents more than just survival; it encapsulates the spirit of the entire community.
A GoFundMe campaign has been initiated to support the school’s recovery efforts. So far, over $213,000 has been raised. This response from the community reflects how interconnected and resilient they are despite such immense challenges. And it’s uplifting to see how people rally together during tough times.
While the immediate future for the Pasadena Waldorf School looks daunting, the presence of the St. Francis statue serves as a reminder. In the face of adversity, hope persists. It’s a beacon, urging everyone to move forward and rebuild.
As they navigate this painful chapter, the enduring figure of St. Francis inspires. It fosters a spirit of unity, healing, and resilience. Amid ash and loss, hope remains alive, reminding us that we can emerge stronger together.
