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Commemorate the Passion of Jesus Christ by walking
"The Way of the Cross"

at Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center,
700 N. Sunnyside Ave., Sierra Madre, CA 91024


There will be no parking or vehicular entry at Mater Dolorosa this year, and we will provide free busing to the retreat center.

Parking will be at Santa Anita Park, A Lot through Gate 8 (off Baldwin Avenue).

We would greatly appreciate your donation to offset transportation costs; thank you for making your donation of any amount here.

Good Friday, April 3, 2026
9:00 am: Parking at Santa Anita Park open
9:15 am: First bus departs Santa Anita to the Retreat Center
9:30 am: Retreat Center open for self-guided Stations of the Cross. Take time for quiet prayer and reflection at your own pace. Buses will run continuously back to Santa Anita, so you may return to your car at any time
11:00 am: Last bus departs from Santa Anita Park to the Retreat Center
12:00 pm: Last bus departs from the Retreat Center to Santa Anita Park
3:30 pm: Parking at Santa Anita Park open
3:45 pm: First bus departs Santa Anita to the Retreat Center
4:00 pm: Retreat Center open for guided Stations of the Cross. Join us for a communal journey through the Passion of Christ. A leader will guide you in prayer and reflection at each station.
5:30 pm: Last bus departs from Santa Anita Park to the Retreat Center
6:30 pm: Last bus departs from the Retreat Center to Santa Anita Park.


Guidelines for visiting on Good Friday:

  • Please be respectful of those in prayer while on the grounds and please maintain an atmosphere of silence and prayer.
  • Fasting is observed on Good Friday. No food or picnics allowed. Water bottles are allowed.
  • Wear comfortable shoes. The walk has some elevation changes.
  • Wait times for evening guided Stations of the Cross can be up to 45 minutes. We appreciate your patience.

Volunteering: We welcome volunteers in the morning and in the afternoon as shown below. If you are able to help, please complete the form here: Good Friday 2026 Volunteer Sign Up. Please indicate your preference as to morning or afternoon. Following your registration, we'll send you a packet of materials detailing your volunteer assignment. Please RSVP no later than March 30, 2026. You will be notified of your volunteer assignment by April 1, 2026.

  • Morning Volunteer Shift (Self Guided Stations) 8:30 am - 12:30 pm
  • Afternoon/Evening Volunteer Shift (Guided Stations) 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm

We also encourage you to come earlier in Holy Week to avoid the crowds and delays that may result from these changes; if you would like to come a different day, please fill out the form at https://materdolorosa.org/visit-mater-dolorosa/.

Good Friday Parking & Transportation Details