Dear friends,

I have sad news. According to a press conference held this morning (Friday), the fire burning in Montecito has completely destroyed Mount Calvary monastery. Mount Calvary, besides being in our deanery of the LA Diocese, is also a spiritual home away from home for so many of us here at Epiphany, in this Diocese, and all along the West coast. I have contacted our deanery co-deans, Mark Asman of Trinity Church in Santa Barbara, and Jerry Kahler of St. Paul's Church in Ventura, and offered our love, support and prayers as well as any assistance, small or great, we can give. It is a great loss to say the least. Thankfully, I understand from a colleague in the Bay area who has been in touch with Robert Sevensky, the Superior of the Order of the Holy Cross which includes Mount Calvary, that the brothers evacuated safely to St. Mary's down the hill.

Please do keep the brothers in your prayers. It may be too soon to say, but I do know that with any crisis there is an opportunity and with any death there is possibility for new life. My prayer is that Mount Calvary may experience opportunity, creativity and new life out of the tragedy of this great loss.

Best to you all and thank you...
peace,
melissa