Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center
Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center
Just 1 month since closing after the Eaton Fire, we are excited to be reopening to retreat groups tomorrow! Although we continue to be closed to the public, we plan to have a Homecoming day on Ash Wednesday, March 5. Please register for a weekend retreat here or get information about facilities here.
Many thanks to the first responders, clean up crews, volunteers and donors who have enabled us to re-open so quickly!
Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center
The Passionists of Holy Cross Province
700 N Sunnyside Ave, Sierra Madre, CA 91024-1023
tel 626 355 7188 web www.materdolorosa.org
January 23, 2025
Dear Friends,
The second reading from last Sunday's liturgy says, “Brothers and sisters: There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone” (1 Cor 12:4). The evacuation orders were lifted on January 12th with certain guidelines and precautions from the city administration. I see collective efforts of different gifts and forms of service towards a single purpose of restoring Mater Dolorosa.
We conducted a walk-through with our insurance adjuster to assess the damage. Utility companies are restoring services. Fire crews and the National Forest Department continue their post-fire inspection. The Chumash Fire Department is helping remove burnt trees. Mater Dolorosa staff and Servpro (cleaning company) are cleaning the damaged areas to prepare for reopening. We've completed preliminary electrical inspections and cleared inspections for hazardous materials. Thanks to the utility companies, we now have access to electricity, gas, internet, and water in most areas of the property. We are waiting for test results from the city to get clearance on water quality.
On January 17th, the staff of Mater Dolorosa, the Passionist community, our Board chair, and vice-chair met in person for a supportive gathering. We shared our experiences, participated in a healing session, and found comfort in each other's presence. This event was crucial for revitalizing our spirits and moving forward with hope and purpose.
We sincerely appreciate everyone who has generously contributed their time, talent, treasure, and prayers. Your support means the world to us! As we face crucial needs, we invite you to join us in making a difference. Every contribution counts, and together, you can create a lasting impact. Thank you for being a part of our mission! Thanks to the Knights of Columbus and Mater Dolorosa Young Adults for guarding our property during the weekend. Thanks to the many of you who offered volunteer time, we'll keep reaching out for help as needed.
With gratitude, we hope to reopen Mater Dolorosa for our weekend retreats and other events starting on February 7, 2025, exactly one month after the Eaton fire. However, we will have limitations due to damages and safety guidelines for the attendees. Before we reopen, I invite you to join us for a Zoom prayer session and a brief update on January 29th at 7 p.m. Please join us on Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89020525443
We have a long way to go to restore what fire destroyed in one night, but we are on the journey. The holy ground of Mater Dolorosa, so dear to many, is more than just a place. It is a sanctuary of peace, prayer, and healing. Each contribution strengthens our legacy and brings us closer to the renewal of this sacred space. Together, we can rebuild not only the physical beauty of Mater Dolorosa and the spiritual refuge for countless souls.
Your generosity will leave a lasting impact on this holy ground. Will you join us in this journey of restoration? Donations can be made online here.
“Different gifts, one spirit,” a journey of hope under the shadow of the Cross, continues.
May the Passion of Christ be always in our hearts!
Fr. Febin Barose, C.P., Ed.D.
Retreat Center Director and Director of Ministry
Additional Pictures: Facebook or MDPRC Website
Picture credits: Ricardo Solda, Marta Salgado-Niño, Katie Twomey, and Fr. Febin Barose, C.P.
Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center
The Passionists of Holy Cross Province
700 N Sunnyside Ave, Sierra Madre, CA 91024-1023
tel 626 355 7188 web www.materdolorosa.org
Jan 8, 2025
Dear Friend of Mater Dolorosa,
It is with heartfelt emotion and in solidarity with all those affected that I update you on what we know about the Eaton Canyon fires affecting Mater Dolorosa. The notice regarding the fire arrived right after dinner yesterday. We had about 60 people in the house. After the city management alerted us to the situation, with the teamwork and coordination of our staff and the Passionist community, we safely and calmly evacuated everyone to their cars and on to their respective places. Facilities Director Janet Selinske, Executive Chef Ricardo Solda, and kitchen staff on duty are troopers. There were long lines at hotels, but we were able to find one by midnight for our Passionist Community members.
This morning, Ricardo and I were able to get into the retreat center. Seeing the area filled with smoke and dust was devastating and heartbreaking. We found the garage, apartment, and hermitage fully burned down. The Seven Sorrows Garden, St. Paul of the Cross fountain, and stations of the cross have fire damage. As we went into the building, we found the De Loor Hall roof damaged by water. The administrative offices have been completely ruined. I could not see severe damage to the retreat center’s East and West wing and the Community residence on the third floor, but all were covered in thick dust. We could not stay long because of the intensity of the smoke. We drove down the hill and noticed the damage to the neighboring houses some completely and others partially. I am still trying to process these things, along with our staff and community.
We are showered with lots of prayerful support from many people. The greatest blessing is we all are safe, and I am so grateful! My dear friends, at this point, we are unsure about when we can get back to our property and resume our ministry, however our mission of prayer and compassion continues. The retreat center will be closed for the foreseeable future. We will update you when we have more information.
Please be patient with us as we the Mater Dolorosa team and Holy Cross Province are trying to assess the damage and are working with diligence, prudence and wisdom. Many of our staff have been evacuated from their homes and are dealing with property damage. Please continue to pray for us and all those affected by it.
It makes complete sense to understand that our faith is tested on fire! But we are pilgrims of hope as Pope Francis exhorted us this year. Hope will not disappoint us. We will recover and be back serving you again.
God bless,
Fr. Febin Barose, C.P
Retreat Center Director and Director of Ministry
Find pictures at https://www.facebook.com/MaterDolorosaRetreatCenter
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