CALIFORNIA FIRES
Walnut Grove Cultural Center: Supporting Los Angeles Wildfire Victims Through Community Strength and Spiritual Accompaniment
Multiple fast-moving wildfires, driven by high winds, recently devastated neighborhoods in Los Angeles County. The toll has been tragic, with at least 24 lives lost and over 100,000 residents forced to evacuate their homes. The Walnut Grove Cultural Center is committed to supporting the recovery efforts through community strength and spiritual accompaniment.
We invite you to join us in aiding the victims of these catastrophic wildfires. Your generous donation today can make a significant difference in their recovery tomorrow. Additionally, we offer a space for meditation and reflection during these trying times. You can also submit prayer requests, and our community will stand in solidarity with you in spirit. On this page, you will also find spiritual healing resources, including the Letter of the Prelate and the homily of St. Josemaría on The Christian’s Hope. These resources are meant to provide comfort and strength in the face of adversity.
Together, we can help rebuild lives and restore hope.
A Message from the Walnut Grove Board of Directors
Our hearts and prayers are with you as you navigate the devastating aftermath of the Southern California wildfires. We know that some of our close friends and loved ones are experiencing significant personal losses: of homes, of livelihoods, of school closures and evacuations. Know that you are not alone. We are here to support you in the best way we can: with our faith-filled resources, our prayers and work offered to God each and every day, and by the power of our friendship, we are here lending a helping hand, offering a listening ear and a shoulder to lean or cry on.
Many generous people and churches and other organizations have been offering and continue to offer material assistance. Walnut Grove, on the other hand, would like to provide you with the resources that can help you find a path to spiritual comfort and healing as you try to grapple with the mystery of suffering. Feel free to return to this page often to nourish your soul and spirit with words from Pope Francis, St. Josemaria and many other wise and holy sources.
Even when we have been left with little, we still have love to give. We can make a gift of our lives to suffer alongside others, supporting them in their struggles.
- Archbishop José H. Gomez
an article from ANGELUS
The Archdiocese of Los Angeles has created a donation portal to help parishes, schools, and neighborhoods most severely hit by the fires.
Catholic Charities is also accepting donations to provide critical support for families in need. Details are available at catholiccharitiesusa.org
Letter from the Prelate
Rome, January 9, 2025
May Jesus watch over my daughters and sons in the United States!
I am writing these lines after hearing news of the disasters caused by the fires in California. I want to assure you of my closeness during these moments and convey the affection and prayers of the entire Work: we accompany you closely, united in the Communion of Saints.
I ask the Blessed Virgin Mary for the people who have died or been injured, for their relatives, and for so many others who have suffered severe consequences due to this catastrophe, so that no one loses hope.
Today, as we celebrate the anniversary of his birth, I think of our Father and how he lived these occasions, accompanying with his prayers those who endured great difficulties. Let us also turn to him so that, without losing peace, we may address the needs of others and learn to pray and offer comfort to the best of our abilities. Let us live Christian charity, following the steps of the Lord, who gave us an example of self-forgetfulness to the point of giving his life for everyone.
I continue relying on each and every one of you to carry forward the work of Opus Dei throughout the world.
With affection, constant remembrance, and blessings,
Msgr. Fernando Ocariz
Homily of St. Josemaría Escrivá on The Christian’s Hope
Put all your hope in Jesus. You yourself have nothing, are worth nothing, can do nothing. He will act, if only you abandon yourself in him. - Saint Josemaría Escrivá.
The Christian's Hope' in the book 'Friends of God'
PRAYER IN TIME OF WILDFIRES
God of all creation, all the elements belong to you. The earth, air, water and fire are yours to command. You guarded your people in Israel by night with a pillar of flame. You sanctified the early church with tongues of fire at Pentecost. You appeared to Moses in the burning bush, which was engulfed but not consumed. God of wind and flame, extinguish the fires engulfing land, communities, and homes. Guard those who must flee because of the blaze, give them safety and wholeness. Bring those who have perished home to you, grant them your perpetual peace. Protect those who battle the flames, sanctify their service and send them your Spirit. Restore our land, our homes, our faith in your goodness, And show us again how you bring life out of ash and dust. Give us the resources and strength, we ask, to rebuild and replant. And show us that you are the loving Creator and Savior. AMEN
Submit Prayer Request
We will stand in solidarity with you in spirit.
Helpful Articles and Resources
How my friends helped in grief: While we can all acknowledge that the loss of a loved one brings about intense grief, there is a specific suffering for those who have to sit on the peripheries and watch while their friend enters Calvary.
Bette Midler Shares Video of Family Singing After Their Home of 37 Years is Destroyed in L.A. Fire: 'So Glad We Can Offer Some Small Comfort’
Family’s beloved statue of Mary survives Los Angeles fire, previous natural disaster
Faith Stronger Than Wildfires: A Family’s Unshakable Hope (Family Rosary Across America)
An Excerpt From “HOPE” (an autobiography) BY POPE FRANCIS
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