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
Update
January 24, 2025
ABC News in Southern California reports on the damage to Mater Dolorosa from the Eaton Fire.
Update
January 23, 2025
Dear Friends,
The second reading from last Sunday's liturgy says, “Brothers and sisters: There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone” (1 Cor 12:4). The evacuation orders were lifted on January 12th with certain guidelines and precautions from the city administration. I see collective efforts of different gifts and forms of service towards a single purpose of restoring Mater Dolorosa.
We conducted a walk-through with our insurance adjuster to assess the damage. Utility companies are restoring services. Fire crews and the National Forest Department continue their post-fire inspection. The Chumash Fire Department is helping remove burnt trees. Mater Dolorosa staff and Servpro (cleaning company) are cleaning the damaged areas to prepare for reopening. We've completed preliminary electrical inspections and cleared inspections for hazardous materials. Thanks to the utility companies, we now have access to electricity, gas, internet, and water in most areas of the property. We are waiting for test results from the city to get clearance on water quality.
On January 17th, the staff of Mater Dolorosa, the Passionist community, our Board chair, and vice-chair met in person for a supportive gathering. We shared our experiences, participated in a healing session, and found comfort in each other's presence. This event was crucial for revitalizing our spirits and moving forward with hope and purpose.
We sincerely appreciate everyone who has generously contributed their time, talent, treasure, and prayers. Your support means the world to us! As we face crucial needs, we invite you to join us in making a difference. Every contribution counts, and together, you can create a lasting impact. Thank you for being a part of our mission! Thanks to the Knights of Columbus and Mater Dolorosa Young Adults for guarding our property during the weekend. Thanks to the many of you who offered volunteer time, we'll keep reaching out for help as needed.
With gratitude, we hope to reopen Mater Dolorosa for our weekend retreats and other events starting on February 7, 2025, exactly one month after the Eaton fire. However, we will have limitations due to damages and safety guidelines for the attendees. Before we reopen, I invite you to join us for a Zoom prayer session and a brief update on January 29th at 7 p.m. Please join us on Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89020525443
We have a long way to go to restore what fire destroyed in one night, but we are on the journey. The holy ground of Mater Dolorosa, so dear to many, is more than just a place. It is a sanctuary of peace, prayer, and healing. Each contribution strengthens our legacy and brings us closer to the renewal of this sacred space. Together, we can rebuild not only the physical beauty of Mater Dolorosa, but the spiritual refuge for countless souls.
Your generosity will leave a lasting impact on this holy ground. Will you join us in this journey of restoration? Donations can be made online here.
“Different gifts, one spirit,” 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
Additional Pictures: Facebook or MDPRC Website
Picture credits: Ricardo Solda, Marta Salgado-Niño, Katie Twomey, and Fr. Febin Barose, C.P.
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