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.
Sincerely,
Fr. Febin Barose, C.P
Retreat Center Director and Director of Ministry
