Church Miraculously Untouched By Devastating Wildfires in Lahaina, Maui

A video that is going viral on social media shows how Lahaina Church has been miraculously untouched by the wildfires that have devastated the rest of the town.

In total, over 1,700 building structures have been damaged by the fires, and over 80 people have died.

The church being untouched by the blaze has been bringing many people in Lahaina hope.

Take a look at the church below:

A miracle?

A Catholic church reportedly remains untouched by the wildfires as a symbol of hope in Hawaii

Around 67 people have died in the wildfires that has almost totally destroyed the Lahaina town in Hawaii’s Maui. While according to local reports coming out, Maria… pic.twitter.com/VxRzN1wX16

— Sachin Jose (@Sachinettiyil) August 12, 2023

A new photo shows that Maria Lanakila Catholic Church is still standing amid the ashes and devastation left by the massive fire that destroyed much of Lahaina, Maui this week pic.twitter.com/NSXCfUnvMK

— Jack Poso 🇺🇸 (@JackPosobiec) August 11, 2023

Here’s What The Daily Mail reported:

A small act of mercy has come to light in Maui where Lahaina Church has been spared the devastation that has razed the rest of the historic town to the ground.

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A video posted to TikTok shows the Maria Lanakila Catholic Church in downtown Lahaina still standing amidst the rubble.

The church, which has stood since 1846, is seen in a video posted to TikTok standing proud with its stain glass and tower structure in place even as the ground around it smolders.

Members of the church’s community took to Facebook to express their gratitude the building had been saved.

Jeffrey Chang wrote: ‘May She be the beacon of hope…to help the rest of the community.’

Another user, Jeffrey Domdoma wrote: ‘May she be the beacon of hope to the people of Lahaina!!!! Praise the Lord… upon this rock I will build my church!!! come and follow me….’

Terrence Watanabe, pastor of the nearby parish of St. Anthony’s told The Pillar ‘all of Lahaina Town has been consumed by fire. It’s all gone. The church, Maria Lanakila [Our Lady of Victory], is still standing, as is the rectory. The school’s been a little bit affected.’

MIRACLE IN MAUI, HAWAII 🙏

Church remains UNTOUCHED by the FIRE as everything else around is destroyed.

Could this be a message from GOD? pic.twitter.com/nk1dlOBfaH

— Kenzyy (@realkenzyy) August 11, 2023

Per USA Today:

As Maui grapples with the losses caused by the wildfires that have ravaged the island since Tuesday, locals have begun taking stock of what has burned down and what is still left.

The fires have displaced hundreds and killed at least 55, scorching thousands of acres of land and damaging or destroying structures of major significance across the island.

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While officials are still assessing damage, they have reported the ruination of over 200 homes, business and historic landmarks, such as the 200-year-old Waiola Church in Lahaina Town.

Yet, amid the destruction that hit the historical town, razing priceless relics to ash, one church is reportedly still standing despite the odds.

Maria Lanakila, which means Our Lady of Victory, was established in 1846 by Father Aubert of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Mary and Jesus, according to the church’s website.

Originally consisting of an adobe building with grass hut chapels, the modern stone structure was finished in 1873 and further improved in 1918. Paintings inside the church appeared around this time and while their exact origin is unknown, it is possible they were gifts from King Kalakaua or his sister, Queen Liliuokalani.

Before this week’s events, the church offered a wide variety of services, including Latin masses, visitor weddings and the Sacred Hearts School.

Horrid consequences of a catastrophic wildfire that burned Lahaina City on the Maui island in Hawaii.
So far 55 died, 26 injured, w/ 1,700 buildings burned and destroyed, including Waiola Church and Pioneer Inn hotel from 1901. Before the wildfire City had population of 12,700. pic.twitter.com/fUNBszqSey

— Ricks way out of silo 🌌 (@wissiloexit) August 11, 2023