The record-setting heat was the headline for many in Santa Barbara on Saturday, July 7 but for two small groups on the grounds of La Casa de Maria that day, it was barely a footnote.

In the relatively cool Terrace Room of the big stone house – the Center for Spiritual Renewal – a group began the day in

 
In a normal year, July would be a busy time at La Casa de Maria, with programs, groups, and retreatants all making use of our facilities, land, and unique offerings. But, due to the December fires and January’s massive mud and debris flow, sadly, we are still closed while we plan for our renewal and rebirth.
We have, however,