Mater Dolorosa Launches Centennial Celebration with "Century on the Hill: Remember, Rejoice, Renew"

SIERRA MADRE, Calif. — Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center will officially launch its year-long centennial celebration with Century on the Hill: Remember, Rejoice, Renew on Saturday, September 26, 2026, marking 100 years since its first retreat. Mater Dolorosa is located at 700 N. Sunnyside Ave, Sierra Madre, CA 91024.

More than a special event, Century on the Hill serves as the opening celebration of a centennial season that will honor a century of spiritual renewal, community, and Passionist ministry in Southern California. The theme, "Remember, Rejoice, Renew," invites participants to reflect on the center's rich history, celebrate its enduring mission, and look with hope toward the future.

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The celebration will begin with Mass presided by Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, with Fr. David Colhour, C.P., Provincial Superior of Holy Cross Province, serving as homilist. Fr. Giuseppe Adobati Carrara, Superior General of the Passionist Congregation, will provide remarks. Guests will then be able to stroll the grounds for a "Taste of Mater Dolorosa," enjoying hospitality, fellowship, and the beauty of a place that has touched countless lives over the past century.

"The story of Mater Dolorosa is ultimately the story of the people who have encountered God here," said Jennifer Gowen, Century on the Hill Co-Chair. "For 100 years, retreatants, pilgrims, families, clergy, and seekers have come to this sacred hilltop to pray, heal, discern, and deepen their faith. Century on the Hill is an opportunity to give thanks for that legacy and to renew our commitment to serving future generations."

The centennial commemorates a remarkable history. The Passionists purchased the property in 1924 and conducted their first retreat in July 1926 under the shade of a large Moreton Bay Fig tree which still stands on the grounds today. Mater Dolorosa welcomes more than 10,000 visitors annually for retreats, parish programs, recovery ministries, educational gatherings, and spiritual events.

Throughout the 2026-2027 retreat season, Mater Dolorosa will continue its centennial observance with retreats and special programs centered on the theme "Remember, Rejoice, Renew."

Founded by the Congregation of the Passion, Mater Dolorosa remains dedicated to proclaiming the Passion of Jesus Christ and providing a welcoming environment for prayer, reflection, healing, and spiritual growth. As the retreat center enters its second century, Century on the Hill will serve as a joyful beginning to a year of remembrance, gratitude, and renewed mission.

About Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center

Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center has served the spiritual needs of Southern California since 1926. Rooted in the Passionist tradition, the retreat center offers retreats, spiritual programs, hosted events, and opportunities for prayer throughout the year, welcoming thousands of visitors annually to its scenic grounds at the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains.

Media Contact:
Melanie Goodyear, Director of Development & Communications, Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center; 700 N. Sunnyside Avenue, Sierra Madre, CA 91024; www.materdolorosa.org;

626-355-7188 x103; MaterDolorosa.org/Harvest