For the past week, our nation has watched in horror as raging wildfires have wreaked havoc in the most populous county in the United States: Los Angeles. With the death toll climbing and property losses reaching staggering levels, the southern California wildfires have ravaged countless lives. As contemplatives, our hearts ache for our brothers and sisters on the West Coast, and our hearts are uplifted in fervent prayer for the containment of these fires.

Among those affected: our Passionist Fathers in Sierra Madre, California. Fr. Febin Barose, the director of Mater Dolorosa Retreat Center and also a good friend of our community, took this photo as the Eaton Fire raged towards him. Thanks be to God, all vowed and lay Passionists, as well as the many retreatants present at the time, were able to evacuate safely. But various buildings and gardens on the property suffered severe damage - see photos and more information here.

Please join us in praying for all those affected by this tragedy, and for the heroic firefighters and others who are working tirelessly to fight the blaze and help victims rebuild their lives.

All you Holy Angels, protect them!

St. Florian, patron against fires, pray for them!