Ash Wednesday calls fire-scarred faithful to walk path of sorrow, renewal
The faithful trudged up the hill to Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center on the first Ash Wednesday after the Eaton Fire, clutching umbrellas along with their hopes that this season of Lent could lead, from ashes to ashes and on to an Easter of new beginnings.
The Sierra Madre center was one of many houses of faith that marked the beginning of Lent, the 40 days Christians observe with prayer and penance before Easter. In the still-scarred landscapes of the Eaton and Palisades fires, believers said this first Ash Wednesday brought with it a stark visual of that fire that destroys but also cleanses.
“We, the Mater Dolorosa retreat center community, along with all affected, find ourselves walking a path of sorrow and renewal,” said Rev. Febin Barose, director of the 101-year-old center.