A devastating wildfire in Altadena, California, has left the Pasadena Waldorf School in ruins, with one of its campuses suffering extensive damage. However, amidst the destruction, a small symbol of hope emerged—a statue of St. Francis of Assisi remained unscathed. The 3-foot stone statue, which was placed at the school by teacher Justin Loeser in 2014, survived the blaze that ravaged the Paquita Lick Machris Campus. For many at the school, the statue's survival holds deep spiritual significance, symbolizing resilience and peace. Despite the immense loss, the community is rallying to rebuild, with fundraising efforts already underway.

The impact of the Eaton wildfire on the Pasadena Waldorf School has been profound. Established in 1979, this institution serves approximately 250 students from preschool through high school. One of its campuses, which housed kindergarteners and students from grades 1-8, was decimated by the fire. Yet, amid the devastation, the St. Francis statue stood firm, untouched by the flames that destroyed everything around it. This miraculous preservation has sparked reflections on faith and hope within the school’s faculty and students.

The statue, purchased by teacher Justin Loeser following an earlier electrical fire that destroyed his classroom, was placed in the garden outside the building. Loeser recalls addressing the statue as he set it down, asking for its protection over the children who called the school their home. Now, years later, the statue has once again proven to be a beacon of comfort and reassurance. Its presence amidst the wreckage serves as a powerful reminder of enduring strength and peace.

The faculty at the school have found solace in the statue’s survival, drawing parallels to the famous Prayer of St. Francis. For Blair Manzke, a fifth-grade teacher, the statue represents more than just a physical object; it embodies the light and joy that can emerge even in times of darkness and sorrow. “There’s a serenity in that mass of ash and broken dreams,” she reflects, noting how the statue stands as a symbol of both loss and hope.

As the school looks toward rebuilding, the community has come together to support the recovery efforts. A GoFundMe campaign has raised over $213,000, providing much-needed funds to help restore the damaged campus. While the road ahead is long, the St. Francis statue continues to inspire those involved, offering a sense of tranquility and hope as they face the challenges of reconstruction. The statue now resides at the school’s Mendocino Street Campus, serving as a constant reminder of resilience and the enduring spirit of the Waldorf community.