Update
January 14, 2025
Dear Friends,
As we continue to positively respond to and recuperate from the devastating experience of the Eaton wildfire, with much love and gratitude, I would like to bring another update to all those friends of Mater Dolorosa. From the confusion, and uncertainty stage, we are now walking the path of clarity, resilience, strength, support, optimism, and faith—a journey with hope under the shadow of the Cross.
On Thursday, January 9, some of us visited Mater Dolorosa. It was an evacuation area with restricted and limited entry. There was still active smoke and fire in a few areas of the property. Fire trucks and firefighters were working hard to put them out. They look exhausted but were working hard to extinguish the fire completely. We can't thank them enough! As we passed the front driveway, we could see a few of our dear deer on the grass, which was still green on both sides of the retreat center chapel. It was a sign of hope and encouragement for all of us. We used protective glasses and masks as we removed office items and files to a safer place. We will start with professional clean-up once it is safe. We will have more clarity about when we can return in a couple of weeks.
On Friday, January 10, we returned to continue and were interviewed by local news media. The burnt-down apartments, garage, and hermitage debris were still smoldering and smoky, and fire crew members worked to put them out. Several city fire crew members inspected the building and its surroundings. As I learned from them, it was their timely intervention to hose down the fire in the building before it could go further, resulting in less fire damage and more water damage in the affected areas (office rooms and De Loor Hall). We are so grateful to them. A couple of us stayed a few hours to empty the items in the refrigerators in the building.
On Saturday, January 11, there were more restrictions on entering except for collecting clothes and medicine from the residence. Upon entering the premises, we could see fire personnel and the Navajo fire response continuing their work. We brought to their attention a few hot spots. We were so relieved to see the electrical company had started their restoration, but they said, “It would take a while” before the power would be back on. I visited our Sierra Madre police station and City manager’s office for inquiries and to thank them for their diligent response.
Recalling what just happened in the fire, it is as if God threw His arms around the main building of our Retreat Center, preventing significant fire damage. Several areas of gardens and grounds have been burned, but the statues, and Stations of the Cross are intact but need cleaning. Our famous Morton Bay fig tree, under which the first Passionist retreat began in 1926, stands proud and untouched. The Gethsemane prayer garden looks fine- Jesus is still praying while the disciples are still asleep! As of Sunday, January 12, Sierra Madre City has lifted evacuation orders, but we are patiently waiting for utilities and clean up before anyone can return safely.
I attended Sunday Mass at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, close to our hotel. The homilist reminded us that the Christmas message from the angels still resonated: “Do not be afraid, a Savior is born for us, Emmanuel, God with us.” Yes, with that confidence, we are continuing to move forward. “When God is for us, who can be against?” I am so amazed by the Mater Dolorosa staff and Board of Directors dedication, proficient teamwork, and support. Mater Dolorosa is blessed to have them. We regularly meet, analyzing, reviewing, executing, and taking one step at a time and one day at a time.
We stand in solidarity with all those affected and will offer assistance and support when our facilities are functional. We are all wounded healers after the example of the Lord Jesus Christ. We are showered with prayers and offers of support. We gratefully and gladly welcome your continued support as we take further steps. Your support is vital as we recover from the Eaton Fire. We hope you will make a general donation to be used where it is needed most; this will not only help us clean, repair, maintain staff and cover lost revenue from our closure, but also ensure our ministries thrive when we reopen. Thank you for your generosity.
We greatly appreciate your donations here.
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
January 8, 2025 – Initial Retreat Center Update Online
Picture credits: Ricardo Solda, Marta Salgado-Niño, Janet Selinske, and Fr. Febin Barose, C.P.
Father Febin Barose, C.P., Retreat Center Director and Director of Ministry at Mater Dolorosa, posted the following message on Facebook on January 8:
Dear Friends,
It is with heartfelt emotion and in solidarity with all those affected and lost their homes 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 Sola, 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 (Wednesday), 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, 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 thoroughly shattered with water damage. The administrative offices, especially the ones on the front side, 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 at this point. 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 mission and ministry. 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 digest this devastation and are working with diligence, prudence and wisdom. Most of our staff have been evacuated and deal with house and property losses. 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.
Fr. Febin Barose, C.P.
Retreat Center Director and Director of Ministry