LA wildfires one year later: The Catholic family who sang after losing their home
When a video was shared of the Halpins singing the “Regina Caeli” at the scorched area where their Altadena home was before the Eaton Fire — in front of a Mary statue that survived the blaze — the family quickly got worldwide attention.
They received praise. They received support. They received GoFundMe donations.
Members of the family said the reaction caught them off guard.
“I was surprised and humbled because we’re not perfect, we’re not these perfect people,” said Jackie Halpin, who along with her husband, Peter, raised her six children in that home. “But we love our faith, we love to sing, and that song is very much a big part of our family.”