In Altadena, California, a Catholic family who lost their home in the historic wildfires gathered in the rubble of what was their home and sang songs of praise and video broadcasts.
The video, uploaded by Gianna Halpin and shared by journalist Sachin Jose, shows the Halpin family singing “Regina Caeli” in Latin. According to a fundraiser held for the family, the Halpins lived in the house for 35 years before it was destroyed Tuesday night.
People find comfort in singing “Regina Caeli,” O Queen of Heaven, after witnessing the devastation of the California fire.
Video: Gianna Halpin pic.twitter.com/ENfA4tCceS
– Sachin José (@Sachinettiyil) January 10, 2025
This is the Halpin family glorifying God in the rubble of their own home. They are among the many wonderful people I know whose homes were destroyed or damaged by fires. This may be the worst disaster to hit Los Angeles in my lifetime – it sure feels like it https://t.co/pg0EoDbhjK
– Edward Feser (@FeserEdward) January 10, 2025
“Regina Caeli” translates to “Queen of Heaven”. The church hymn speaks of Mary rejoicing in the resurrection of her son, Jesus Christ. The “Queen of Heaven” prayer is as follows:
Queen of heaven, rejoice, hallelujah.
For the one you deserve to wear, hallelujah.
Is resurrected, as he said, hallelujah.
Pray to God for us, hallelujah.
Rejoice and be glad, O virgin Mary, alleluia.
For the Lord is truly risen, hallelujah.Let us pray. O God, who has given joy to the world through the resurrection of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, grant that we may implore you that, through the intercession of the Virgin Mary, his Mother, we may obtain the joys of life eternal. By the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
Pete Halpin, who organized the fundraiser for his parents and sister, wrote that his family was “overwhelmed by your incredible generosity. The gifts you give them, and probably those of many others, are true examples of God’s love.
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Halpin noted that his father’s concrete business, Halpin Bros. Concrete, “is preparing to expedite, where possible, the cleanup of the site for our neighbors in Altadena and the St. Monica Academy community.”
As The Christian Post points out, Christian organizations, including the nonprofits CityServe and World Help, have already stepped up to help those in need in California. The organizations are “deploying life-saving aid and working with local churches and community partners to provide immediate assistance to those in need,” the Post reported Friday.
Related: Los Angeles Fire Chief Reportedly Called Mayor’s Office ‘To Be Fired’ Here’s what we know.
