The recent Eaton wildfire, which scorched over 14,000 acres in Southern California, left a trail of destruction in its wake, including significant damage to the Pasadena Waldorf School’s Paquita Lick Machris Campus. Amidst the ashes and debris, a beacon of hope emerged: a statue of Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and the environment, stood unscathed. This remarkable survival has resonated deeply with the school community and beyond, offering a symbol of resilience and faith in the face of tragedy.
A Symbol of Hope Amidst the Ashes: The Saint Francis Statue’s Miraculous Survival
The intensity of the Eaton wildfire was immense, cracking rocks and reducing buildings to rubble. Yet, the three-foot tall stone statue of Saint Francis remained intact, a stark contrast to the devastation surrounding it. Fifth-grade teacher Blair Manzke shared with PEOPLE magazine, “I do think there is a spiritual significance. I do find it’s the symbol of hope, the symbol of that something sustained that lives on that was a part of us, and the symbol of peace.” The statue’s survival has become a powerful reminder of enduring hope amidst loss.
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From Classroom Guardian to Symbol of Resilience: The Statue’s History at Pasadena Waldorf School
The statue’s history adds another layer of significance to its survival. In 2014, Pasadena Waldorf teacher Justin Loeser purchased the statue from a local garden store after an electrical fire destroyed his second-grade classroom. He placed it in the garden, telling the statue, “There are children here who called this home who need your help to feel safe. This is still their home. We need you.” Loeser recounted this poignant moment to PEOPLE, highlighting the statue’s role as a guardian for the students even before the wildfire. Its survival now takes on a new meaning, embodying the school’s resilience in the face of repeated adversity.
Echoes of the Prayer of Saint Francis: Finding Meaning in the Statue’s Survival
The statue’s resilience has drawn parallels to the famous Prayer of Saint Francis, known for its message of peace, love, and hope. While acknowledging the sensitivity around religious interpretations, Manzke reflected on the prayer’s relevance: “Where there’s darkness, let me bring light,’ and ‘Where there’s sadness, let me bring joy.'” The statue, standing serenely amidst the destruction, seems to embody these sentiments, offering a tangible symbol of hope in a landscape of loss. Manzke further emphasized this, stating, “If you look at him, there’s such a serenity in that mass of ash and broken dreams and tremendous loss. It’s like loss and hope. So yes, I do consider it a spiritual symbol.”
Rebuilding from the Ashes: The Pasadena Waldorf School Community and the Road Ahead
The Eaton wildfire dealt a devastating blow to the Pasadena Waldorf School, destroying one of its campuses that served kindergarten through eighth grade. Beyond the physical damage, several staff members and student families also lost their homes. Manzke described the experience as “heart-wrenching” and emphasized the speed with which the fire consumed the campus. Despite the immense challenges, the school community is determined to rebuild. The preschool and high school, housed at the nearby Mendocino St. Campus, were spared from the fire and are currently providing a temporary home for the displaced statue.
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Community Support and the GoFundMe Campaign: Helping Pasadena Waldorf Rise Again
A GoFundMe campaign has been established to support the school’s rebuilding efforts. As of January 21st, the campaign had raised over $213,000, demonstrating the widespread community support for the Pasadena Waldorf School. The funds will be crucial in helping the school find alternative venues for classes and begin the long process of rebuilding the Paquita Lick Machris Campus. The outpouring of support underscores the school’s importance to the community and the collective desire to see it thrive once again. The survival of the Saint Francis statue serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring spirit of the school and its community, inspiring hope and resilience as they navigate the challenging road to recovery. The statue, now housed at the high school campus, offers a daily reminder of the strength and hope that will guide the Pasadena Waldorf School as it rebuilds and moves forward.
