This article was featured in the Marianist Newsletter FamilyOnline, January 2025 issue.
A tidal wave of furious flames ravaging cities, “go bags” prepared but no clear destination in sight, devastation escalating, and loss of life reported daily, if not hourly. This is not a scene from a Hollywood horror action film; it is the harsh reality of many in California, including members of our Marianist Family.
Chaminade College Preparatory in West Hills first closed both campuses on Jan. 8 as Los Angeles declared a state of emergency. On Jan. 9, the Marianist West Hills Community was told to evacuate as the Kenneth Fire quickly crackled its way closer. “Fortunately, the wind changed direction, pushing the fire in the opposite direction and away from the school. The evacuation order was lifted hours later, but residents were asked to be ready to evacuate just in case the fire changed direction again,” relayed Chaminade Chaplain Fr. Michael Chiuri, S.M. Thankfully, the Kenneth fire was 100% contained by Jan. 12.
However, tensions, fear, and sorrow continue as more traic stories are uncovered, new fires ignited, and many are still unable to return home or have no home in which to return. “In our school community, one middle school faculty member lost her home in the Eaton fire, and two high school families lost their homes in the Palisades fire,” reported Chaminade President Robert Webb.
The constant crisis mode has everyone in the area still on edge, not knowing day-to-day what might be in store, and it’s taking a toll. “The plan is to have a ‘go bag’ with important documents such as passports and a couple of days worth of clothing and hopefully stay away from the fire zones. Unfortunately, no one can get more specific because it all depends on where the fire is burning. As I write this, a new fire, the Hughes fire, just erupted near the 5 freeway in Castaic,” wrote Fr. Michael on Jan. 23.
Although that community is almost an hour and a half drive from the school, he said the skies were already darkened and air quality likely affected by the newest fire. “Faculty/staff and students living there were allowed to leave early just in case the freeway was closed, and they could not get into the area to get whatever they needed in case of an imminent evacuation,” said Fr. Chiuri.
A junior retreat was also scheduled at an organization in that area, which needed rescheduling. It’s just one more upheaval in what has begun as a very trying year. Paradoxically perhaps, Pope Francis declared “Hope” as the theme of this year’s jubilee of the Catholic Church, encouraging us to share the “hope that has been given to us and help everyone to gain new strength and certainty by looking to the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart, and far-sighted vision.”
Chaminade Campus Ministry has been key to offering hope through prayer, counseling, updated communications, efforts to organize donations, and a response to all those affected.
“The Chaminade community appreciates your concern and support and continues requesting prayers. Even for those not directly affected, it has been a stressful time for the school community. For them, it is sad to see parts of their beloved city in ruins. They also have many parents, alumni, parents of alumni, and employee spouses who serve as first responders and are risking their lives,” conveyed Webb.
If you would like to donate to help the teacher who lost her home, you can go to the Chaminade Employee Assistance Fund.
Below are also some vetted organizations supported by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
Chaminade’s Campus Ministry teams are also assessing the needs of the larger community and will create service opportunities for students and employees. While not everyone may be able to provide financial support, we can all contribute by flooding the area with prayers and offering hope.
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