February 14, 2025

Dear Friends,

One of the readings for this year's retreat season is from Romans 5:4, which states, “We also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us for God’s love has been poured into our hearts.”

Our endurance during this challenging situation has instilled hope and reason to celebrate. We reopened our retreat center last Friday, February 7, one month after the Eaton fire devastation. We welcomed around 42 men for the weekend retreat, our first after the fire.  This reaffirmed our mission statement to provide a peaceful environment for prayer and reflection.

I want to highlight the indoor and outdoor measures we implemented to ensure the safety and comfort of guests before reopening. We completed extensive cleaning and restoration at the retreat center, including using air scrubbers to remove soot and ash, thoroughly cleaning and sanitizing all surfaces and furnishings, and servicing HVAC systems with new filters. Mattresses, bedding, drapes, and towels were replaced or sanitized, and the kitchen underwent deep cleaning. The City of Sierra Madre certified the water as safe for use. Fire-damaged structures have been secured, walkways repaired, and lighting restored. The affected gardens are being cleared. These efforts create a safe and welcoming environment for all visitors. Thank you to everyone who contributed.

Here are a couple of comments from the retreatants after the reopening:

“The bedroom was very neat and clean. The shower was nice and hot, and walking the environment, even amongst the charred grounds, was very peaceful.”

“I commend the retreat team for being resilient and forward thinking in allowing the retreats to go on in spite of the fires. Sempre Adelante, as St. Juniper Serra would say!”

Now, we are excited to announce that we are fully reopening and invite you to a special Homecoming event on Ash Wednesday, March 5. Our staff and volunteers will lead you to receive ashes, pray the Stations of the Cross, and visit the grounds after the fire.

After completing the cleaning and clearing process, we are moving forward to rebuild what we lost. As we progress, we are reminded of the words of St. Paul: “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9). We can’t thank all those who have supported us enough. With your continued support, we can ensure this sacred ground remains a beacon of hope for future generations.

On this Valentine’s Day, may we be reminded that God’s love is the foundation of all love—a love that strengthens, sustains, and never fails. May His love continue to unite us as we rebuild, bringing hope and renewal to our hearts and community.

Hope does not disappoint us; 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