Wisconsin Miracle: Lightning Strike Ignites Church, But Cross Remains Standing Tall
Amidst the ashes of a lightning-struck church, a symbol of hope emerges – the unscathed cross. A true miracle in Wisconsin!
JEFFERSON, WI – In the face of adversity, the community of St. John the Baptist Church in Jefferson, Wisconsin, is finding strength and hope in their unwavering faith.
On the evening of June 24, 2024, the church’s steeple was struck by lightning, igniting a fire that engulfed the structure. Despite the devastating blaze, the cross atop the steeple remained standing tall, a symbol of resilience and divine presence.
A Night of Chaos and Courage
The fire, reported around 9 p.m. after a thunderous boom, quickly caught the attention of the Jefferson Fire Department. As flames consumed the steeple, firefighters from neighboring communities rushed to assist in the battle against the inferno. Msgr. Donn Heiar, the Parochial Administrator of St. John the Baptist Church, arrived on the scene shortly after, witnessing the tireless efforts of the emergency crews.
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Gratitude Amidst the Ashes
Msgr. Heiar expressed his profound gratitude to the firefighters, stating, “We are incredibly grateful to the Jefferson Fire Department and to the fire crews from cities in the area who responded to assist. They did an amazing job getting the fire out quickly and minimizing damage to the church.”
In the midst of the chaos, the Blessed Sacrament, the Body of Our Lord, Jesus Christ, was safely removed from the church and the Adoration chapel, a testament to the community’s devotion and quick thinking.
A Beacon of Faith
As the smoke cleared and the flames subsided, the cross atop the steeple emerged, still standing strong.
Mary Wollet, a longtime parishioner who has attended St. John the Baptist Church with her family for 32 years, found inspiration in the sight. “Lot of things could have fallen off that and a lot of things did, but the cross is still there,” Heiar remarked to reporters. “It’s kind of a staple of who we are.”
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United in Prayer and Support
Bishop Donald Hying of the Diocese of Madison offered prayers and support to the church community and Msgr. Heiar, emphasizing the importance of St. John the Baptist Church in the Jefferson community for over 150 years.
The Bishop expressed confidence that the congregation would come together in strength during this challenging time.
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Recovery and Restoration
As crews began the clean-up process and structural assessments, the extent of the damage became evident. While the steeple bore the brunt of the fire, water damage affected the back third of the church.
Despite the setback, Msgr. Heiar remained hopeful that the church would reopen soon, a testament to the community’s resilience and determination.
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A Symbol of Hope
For the parishioners of St. John the Baptist Church, the cross standing tall amidst the charred remains of the steeple serves as a powerful reminder of their unwavering faith.
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“It’s inspiring,” Wollet shared with local reporters. “Things are going to be okay.” As the church community rallies together to rebuild and restore, they find solace in the knowledge that their faith will guide them through any challenge, just as the cross withstood the flames.
In the face of adversity, the St. John the Baptist Church community stands united, their faith unshaken. The cross, a symbol of hope and resilience, reminds us that even in the darkest of times, light can prevail, and together, we can overcome any obstacle.
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