Would you like to be a part of a magnificent improvement of our beloved Mater Dolorosa Stations of the Cross?
2015 will mark the 50th year that the beautiful, life size Stations of the Cross at Mater Dolorosa have provided a place of solitude for retreatants to open their hearts and minds to feel the healing power of God. We invite you to become part of this landmark celebration by helping us renovate the Stations for their 50th anniversary!
The rugged elements of the San Gabriel foothills have taken a toll on the Stations’ infrastructure and surrounding environment. Scarce resources are most often directed toward the maintenance and improvement of the Retreat Center which houses retreatants when they attend a retreat. In addition, 50 years of retreatant use has led to the need to refurbish the Stations so our children and grandchildren will have the same prayerful opportunity for the next 50 years.
For more information, please watch this special video below.
To make a donation in support of our Stations Renovation Project, please scroll down.
The Stations of the Cross, which follow the path of Christ from Pontius Pilate’s praetorium to Christ’s tomb, have been an important devotion for Catholics for centuries. The Stations of the Cross are used at every weekend retreat, on Good Friday, and by local church groups, high school and grade school groups and all visitors to Mater Dolorosa. The Mater Dolorosa Stations are life size and the path through the Stations covers the same distance as Christ’s last walk in Jerusalem, just a little less than a quarter of a mile. Passing though the Stations today requires a keen eye and steady foot because of the deterioration of the pavement. The Stations are virtually inaccessible to handicapped and disabled persons. Even though we are an overnight retreat facility, the Stations can only be safely visited during daylight hours.
The design for the renovation will create a unique spiritual setting, with places to rest, pray, reflect and enjoy the natural surroundings. The existing walkways have deteriorated and will be replaced. The slopes will be eased. Permanent benches will be added and new lighting will showcase the beauty of the Stations and allow for nighttime use.
A new Garden of Gethsemane area will be developed among the 90 year old olive trees just to the north of the Stations pathway. The Garden of Gethsemane will become the starting point for meditation prior to experiencing the Way of the Cross. A bronze sculpture of Jesus and his “Agony in the Garden”, along with sculptures of disciple figures of Peter, James and John have been commissioned with Christopher Slatoff, a noted sculptor.
The Passionist Cemetery which is barely visible at this time will be part of this amazing renovation project. This is an opportunity for us to honor our beloved Passionists who dedicated their lives to preaching the Passion of Jesus Christ and creating such a beautiful place for us to pray and spend time with God.
View additional photos: Photo Page – Stations Renovation.pdf
Station 13 – “The Body of Jesus is Taken Down from the Cross” will be dedicated to retreatants who make a donation to help with the renovation.
You can be part of this historic renovation at Mater Dolorosa in several ways.
- Sponsor a station
- Become a station maintenance endowment sponsor
- Sponsor the bronze sculpture of Peter, James or John in the garden with Jesus
- Make a donation toward the Retreatant Station #13
Ways to Give
- Make an individual cash donation.
- Have your employer match your gift.
- Give a gift of stock/appreciated securities.
- Get retreatants from your Parish involved.
Monetary Commitments for Stations Renovation – To date, half of the total projected cost for the stations renovation has been raised. $375,000 has been raised through a grant from the Dan Murphy Foundation, donations from our 2013 Harvest on the Hill Event, and early sponsors of particular stations. $10,000 has been raised from an individual sponsor for station maintenance endowment.
Station Sponsorship Opportunities are available for each of the Stations as follows:
Station Sponsor Amount: $30,000
Station Maintenance Endowment: $10,000
Monetary Commitments for the new Garden of Gethsemane
A donor has come forward to sponsor the cost of the Jesus figure for the garden. Additional donors are being sought for the disciple figures of Peter, James and John. These sponsorships will be $65,000 for each disciple.
Permanent donor acknowledgements will be made for both sponsorship and maintenance endowment commitments in the stations environment.
On behalf of the Passionist Community and staff, the Mater Dolorosa Board of Directors, and the many retreatants and friends who benefit from these beautiful Stations of the Cross, we extend to you our deep, personal thanks for your support. May God bless you and all your loved ones.
Stations of the Cross donations can be made by check and sent to:
Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center
Stations Renovation Project
700 N Sunnyside Avenue
Sierra Madre, CA 91024
Or, drop off a check in person at the Retreat Center.
If you wish to donate stock/appreciated securities, please contact the Development Office.
If you have any questions or would like additional information, please call the Development Office at 626-355-7188, Ext. 103 or email jwarlick@materdolorosa.org.
