Journey of Hope Continues: July 2026 Recovery & Rebuilding Update
A New Beginning: Office Wing Blessing
“In the Cross is our hope.” – St. Paul of the Cross
Nearly a year and a half after the Eaton Wildfire changed the landscape of Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center, we continue to witness God’s faithful presence through the generosity of so many people, the dedication of our staff and love and care of our friends and retreatants. Every completed project is more than a construction milestone. It is a visible sign that “Hope does not disappoint us.”
This month marked a significant milestone in our recovery as we celebrate the completion of our newly restored and renovated Office Wing. Our office staff is moving back into their permanent offices after a year and a half in temporary office space. Thanks to the excellent architectural work of Peter Mitsakos and his team at West Edge Architects, John Van Dyke and his team at Vancrest Construction, and Janet Selinske our project manager. It was a pleasure working with them, and they were so cooperative in integrating our spirit and vibe of Mater Dolorosa in their work.
On Thursday, July 2, 2026, we gathered to bless this renewed space, giving thanks to God for bringing us to this important milestone. The blessing marked more than just the opening of an office building; it was a celebration of hope, perseverance, and the countless prayers and acts of generosity that have sustained our ministry throughout this journey.
Rebuilding for the Future
Planning continues for the reconstruction of the South Building and related facilities. West Edge Architects has completed the draft Conditional Use Permit (CUP), which is currently under review with the City of Sierra Madre. We continue working collaboratively with city officials to seek a path that allows us to rebuild these essential facilities while remaining good stewards of the resources entrusted to us.
Restoring Our Sacred Grounds
The Monastery Gardens continue to present unique challenges after both the wildfire and subsequent utility work affected the irrigation system. We are working closely with Toll Brothers to explore temporary water solutions until permanent irrigation becomes available. Although much work remains, detailed landscape and irrigation plans are ready so that restoration can begin as soon as reliable water service is restored.
Work is also progressing on improvements to the Fiesta Grounds, where preparations are underway to create much-needed additional storage space that will better support our retreat operations.
The healing of our retreat center extends beyond buildings. Work will soon begin on repairing the irrigation throughout the Stations of the Cross, allowing replacement landscaping to move forward once water service is fully restored. Preparations are also underway for repairs to the Garden of the Seven Sorrows and the Amphitheater, both of which sustained significant fire damage.
Walking Forward Together
As Passionists, we believe that the Cross is never the end of the story. The wounds left by the fire continue to remind us of our vulnerability, but they also reveal God’s enduring faithfulness and the extraordinary generosity of our benefactors, volunteers, retreatants, and friends.
Every restored building, every replanted garden, every repaired pathway, and every retreat welcomed back to Mater Dolorosa bears witness to the hope of the Resurrection. While much work still lies ahead, we move forward with confidence, trusting that the Lord who has guided us this far will continue to lead us into the future.
On behalf of our Passionist Community and the entire Mater Dolorosa family, thank you for your continued prayers, encouragement, and generous support. You remain an essential part of this Journey.
Fr. Febin Barose, C.P., Ed.D.
Executive Director and Director of Mission and Ministry