Mount Calvary, Santa Barbara, Fire Victim

[Diana Butler Bass]

Friends,

Many Episcopalians--and many others as well--have been refreshed, challenged, and spiritually deepened by the ministry of Mount Calvary monastery in Santa Barbara, California--that includes me. When I was in a significant personal crisis, the brothers "adopted" me, giving me a community at a time when I felt lost. They taught me much about what it means to be an Anglican and called me to a richer place of prayer, worship, silence, justice, and hospitality. In many ways, that place and the brothers who called it home made me the Christian and the writer I am today.

They have now lost their home. The monastery burned to the ground yesterday in the Tea Fire in Santa Barbara. My heart is aching. They have given so many seekers, doubters, searchers, and faithful folks shelter over the years and now they have no home. You can find pictures of devastated remains of Mount Calvary at the LA Times website.

I want to do something for them (in addition to sending money to help them rebuild). Anyone else out there who has benefited from the ministry of this special place? What might we do to serve the brothers and embody spiritual hospitality to them? To encourage them and help them in their grief?

With sadness, Diana Butler Bass

[Becky Garrison]

Thanks for sharing this story - one thing that comes to mind is prayer that they can find some kind of temporary shelter where they can still gather in community. It would be tragic if they had to disperse during this time. My other thought is I am sure they would love to hear from you and others about how much they meant to you -- such words could help inspire them as they rebuild from the ashes literally.