MIRACLE – Catholic Church Remains Untouched Following Maui Wildfires

Amid the disastrous wildfire that has swept across the Hawaii island of Maui.

The Maria Lanakila Catholic Church remains untouched!

Truly a miracle.

Amid so much destruction, a temple to God survives.

This stands as a beacon of hope to so many people.

Take a look at this video:

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

— MrBeast Wave (@MrbeastWV) August 11, 2023

USA Today has more on the story:

What is the Maria Lanakila Catholic Church?

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.

And furthermore,

Is the Maria Lanakila Catholic Church still standing?

As of Friday afternoon, the office of nearby St. Anthony’s parish confirmed to USA TODAY that the Maria Lanakila was still standing, though smoke was reportedly seen coming from the rectory.

Msgr. Terrence Watanabe, pastor of St. Anthony’s, told The Pillar yesterday: “The church, Maria Lanakila [Our Lady of Victory], is still standing, as is the rectory. The school’s been a little bit affected. They’re still not allowing people to drive into Lahaina.”

The importance of Lahaina:‘Burned down to ashes’: Why devastated Lahaina Town is such a cherished place on Maui

USA TODAY was not able to reach staff of the Maria Lanakila. Currently, it appears the church’s phonelines are out of service.

Social media posts shared by locals and people on the ground, however, have offered glimpses of the church’s current state. Videos and images show the grounds around the church scorched by flames, but the main structure appears to still be intact and in fairly good condition.

Watanabe told the Honolulu Star Advertiser that “while the church is still standing, it’s hard to say how much damage the building actually took.” Meaning, while the church looks pretty good from the outside, it’s possible that inspectors may order it torn down depending on the amount of structural damage inside, reported the Star Advertiser.

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For now, however, it seems locals are relishing any small wins they can find and sharing them online for others to see.

People all over are declaring this a miracle sent from God:

“When we saw the news and saw the church steeple rise above the town, it was a great sight to see,” Monsignor Terrence Watanabe told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.https://t.co/vH3xA2fqHB

— Catholic News Agency (@cnalive) August 13, 2023

The destruction of the Maui fire took everything in its path – except for this church. 🙏🏻❤️ pic.twitter.com/iTmtSefKet

— DebDaly55🇺🇸 (@DeborahDaly55) August 14, 2023

Woah… #LahainaHawaii church remains standing in the midst of the fires. 🤍🙏🏼 Prayers for #Maui pic.twitter.com/a1x5cMnYvk

— Justin Alcantar (@justinbojoe) August 14, 2023

LAHAINA MAUI HAWAII !

CATHOLIC CHURCH UNTOUCHED AMONGST THE CARNAGE, SOMEONE IS WATCHING ! pic.twitter.com/xp0b3WtfUY

— Philly Special (@USAPatPhilly) August 14, 2023

How could you not think this is a miracle sent from God.

He has his loving eyes on the island of Maui.

More from Breitbart:

Authorities are working to assess the damage the massive blaze left behind, as more than 200 homes, businesses, and historic landmarks have been destroyed, USA Today reported Friday.

However, one church was seemingly protected as the flames closed in around it.

Maria Lanakila Catholic Church, located in downtown Lahaina, is still standing as of Friday, the office of St. Anthony’s parish, which is nearby, confirmed to the newspaper.

Msgr. Terrence Watanabe said, “The church, Maria Lanakila [Our Lady of Victory], is still standing, as is the rectory. The school’s been a little bit affected. They’re still not allowing people to drive into Lahaina.”

Video footage shows the church against a backdrop of blue sky. As the camera pans away, the clip shows charred debris strewn across a parking lot and what appears to be smoke rising from the ground:

I and so many others are sending our thoughts and prayers to the people of Maui.

They are going through a lot.

It brings peace knowing God watches over them.

Please continue to pray for their safety and to rebuild their island swiftly.