In the devastating 2025 Los Angeles wildfires, thousands of homes turned to rubble. Amidst the destruction, one family’s Virgin Mary statue survived, becoming a symbol of community resilience. Host Abby Hornacek explores this tale in the new, three-part Fox Nation series, ‘Unexplained Mysteries of Faith.’
In the final episode, Hornacek visits Altadena. She speaks with Peter and Jackie Halpin, who recount how their Virgin Mary statue withstood the flames. The hymn they sang around it went viral. “It was totally unintended,” recalls Peter Halpin. “We stood around, said a family prayer, and sang that song.”
A statue of The Virgin Mary remained amidst ash and rubble after wildfires destroyed a Southern California family’s home of 37 years.
The Halpins reflect on how their singing provided comfort during the initial shock of losing their house. They note the statue’s survival inspired hope in others. “Being in that state of losing your home, it gave people hope,” Halpin states. “We are a prayerful family, and it felt right to do.”
In a January 2026 interview with Angelus News, Jackie shared how faith helped her cope with the emotional toll. “I could not have done it without my faith,” she expressed. “Gratitude and belief in redemptive suffering sustained me this year. Offering my sufferings to Jesus helped me for my children and their needs.”
Throughout ‘Unexplained Mysteries of Faith’, Hornacek explores sacred places, odd events, and personal stories attributed to miracles. In episode one, she travels to Loretto Chapel in New Mexico. The chapel features a mysterious spiral staircase lacking visible support. Hornacek examines the disappearance of the carpenter who built it and the faith cited by many as the reason for its existence.
Episode two covers St. Frances Cabrini, America’s first saint. Despite chronic illness, she sailed to New York City to aid Italian immigrants. She established 67 educational centers and orphanages. Her exceptional strength is seen by many as faith realized, with her legacy enduring across generations.
The new series, ‘Unexplained Mysteries of Faith,’ hosted by Abby Hornacek, is streaming on Fox Nation. Hornacek previously hosted ‘PARK’D’, exploring America’s national parks. To learn more about these faith-driven stories shaping American history, watch the series exclusively on Fox Nation.
Fox Nation content is accessible on-demand via mobile apps but requires a subscription. Visit Fox Nation to start a free trial. Benji Ferraro, a University of Maryland graduate and new digital production assistant, focuses on channel coverage and culture stories. Contact him at [email protected] for story tips.