Southern California

The Passionists have had a presence in Southern California since 1924.

Through earthquakes and wildfires, we have been offering spiritual direction and retreats in Southern California for over 100 years.

Current ministries

A three-tiered fountain with water flowing into a tiled basin, set in a courtyard with benches, flowering trees, and a statue of Jesus with outstretched arms in the background.

Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center

Sierra Madre, CA

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Our long history in Sierra Madre

Originally called Monte Olivia, the future site of Mater Dolorosa Monastery and Retreat Center was acquired by the Passionists in 1924.

The location sits at an elevation of about 1,200 feet and commands a sweeping view from Los Angeles central city to the eastern limits of the San Gabriel Valley. Behind the retreat center, the San Gabriel Mountains rise sharply.

Side-by-side images under the same large rubber tree: on the left, a historic black-and-white photo of three men sitting in its shade; on the right, a modern color photo of a priest standing beneath its branches, speaking beside an altar setup.
(left): The first retreat at Mater Dolorosa was held in 1926, under the rubber tree on the grounds. (Right): Fr. Bruno D’Souza, CP, leads a prayer service under the same rubber tree in 2023.

While our Mater Dolorosa community of Passionists has been providing retreats for men since 1926, the Monastery dedicated in 1932 was the first in Holy Cross Province to be constructed precisely for a men’s retreat movement. The community lived on the second floor and the retreatants occupied the first and third floors.

Growing our presence and extending our hospitality

By 1950, the retreat movement had outgrown this space, and a separate structure, Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center, was built uphill from the monastery. 

Spanish-language retreats have been hosted as far back as 1960. 

In 1966, the Retreat Center expanded its programs to include married couples, and in 1974 a women’s retreat program was initiated.

Resurrection after natural disaster

A disastrous earthquake in 1991 damaged the monastery, which subsequently had to be demolished.

In its place, the beautiful Monastery Memorial Gardens were created in 1999, including the Garden of the Seven Sorrows, the Plaza of the Sacred Heart and an amphitheater. 

In January 2025, the Eaton wildfire reached Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center. While parts of the building and grounds were destroyed or damaged, the center was able to reopen and offer retreats one month after the fire.

A crucifix and statues illuminated in the foreground as a wildfire burns on the hillside behind them at night.

Passionist commitment to Southern California

The Passionist community continues to serve in Southern California through Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center and by supporting parishes and ministries across the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.