The incident occurred in the early hours during a storm that swept across Cumming, Georgia, striking a building housing a dozen priests and missionaries from the Legionaries of Christ.

       While most of the community's 12 priests and missionaries were away, four were inside when the fire broke out at 4.45am on Sunday. Thanks to neighbours and emergency responders, the priests managed to escape unscathed.

       Father Scott Reilly, 58, associate pastor of St. Brendan the Navigator Parish, initially thought a tree had been hit until he noticed a "glow" in the ceiling.

       He said: "At first, all of us thought it was a tree that had been hit," and "I thought that was what I felt until I started smelling smoke. And that was within three minutes of the strike."

       Upon stepping outside his small cottage on the property, Father Scott saw flames engulfing the house.

       "The roof was already burning and crackling very loudly," he said. Realising another priest, Father Edward, was still inside, he quickly took action.

       "I got my sandals on and went over to the house because I knew Father Edward was there," he recalled. "He was already downstairs in our dining room area, on the phone with 911.

       "He was in the room near where the lightning struck. When it hit, he opened his eyes and saw a glow around the attic ceiling door."

       As the blaze spread, Father Edward was forced to flee without his belongings, but Father Scott managed to salvage some essentials before the firefighters arrived.

       "The firemen came pretty quickly and went into the house to begin shooting water all over the place," Father Scott recounted.

       "But within a minute or two, the roof was starting to cave in.

       "Then there was a flash - when it just reaches a certain point, and then everything starts burning."

       The firefighters had to retreat and focus on containing the blaze. In the midst of the chaos, the community rallied around them.

       "They pushed us back to a safe distance, and we went up the driveway to our neighbor's house," he continued. "They gave Father Edward some clothing, offered us coffee and breakfast - they were very kind. Another neighbor came by, knocking on the door to check on us. Everyone was so kind.

       "The generosity of people has been overwhelming."

       Despite the destruction, Father Scott's faith remains unshaken, and he is hopeful about rebuilding their home, entrusting the future to divine providence.

       "We know God is caring, and He allows things to happen. He didn't throw a lightning bolt at it, but He allowed it for a greater good," he mused. "And right away, the greater good you see is just the generosity of people and how Christ Jesus shows up through their love. That's the greatest good."

       For now, the displaced priests are scattered in various temporary locations until they can find a more permanent home. "We're looking for a place where we can be together for about a year," said Father Scott.

       "But at least four or five of us can stay back on the property in other functional units. We'll get together for meals, so that's not a big problem.

       "We really love this community up here, and we serve this community. It's a treasure, and they love us.

       "I don't think it'll be a problem getting it rebuilt - it's just going to take time and support."

       Above all, Father Scott remains deeply moved by the outpouring of kindness from those around them.

       "Just emphasize the overwhelming love that people have shown. It's incredibly moving. You know it's there, but until you experience it, it's a whole different thing."

       To learn more and donate click on the following link: www.gofundme.com/f/legionaries-of-christs-home-destroyed-by-lightning-strike