Global fashion model and activist Achok Majak speaks about the sacredness of Santa Barbara's land and the importance of connection with nature. From left to right, David Moore, Scott Claassen, Achok Majak, Arthur Gross-Schaefer, and Tom Pinkson.
Global fashion model and activist Achok Majak speaks about the sacredness of Santa Barbara's land and the importance of connection with nature. From left to right, David Moore, Scott Claassen, Achok Majak, Arthur Gross-Schaefer, and Tom Pinkson. Credit: Benjamin Purper / Noozhawk photo

Against the backdrop of a historic retreat center nearly destroyed by the 2018 Montecito debris flows, a diverse group of spiritual leaders joined to celebrate a long-awaited milestone: the reopening of La Casa de Maria as a gathering space after years of rebuilding.

The Dec. 13 interfaith gathering served as both a reflection on the site’s storied past and a hopeful look toward a future centered on “deep resilience.”

Organized by the nonprofit Mindful Heart Programs, the afternoon began with the resonant sounds of a piano composition by local composer Heena Yoon, followed by a guided meditation led by Radhule Weininger. Weininger, a local psychologist and Buddhist meditation teacher who co-founded Mindful Heart Programs, invited participants to recall a moment of the “sacred” in their own lives.

“We gather to celebrate togetherness,” Weininger said. “We move forward together by finding common ground. Each  of us comes from a different background, different life experiences and faith traditions, and it is exactly this diversity that enriches our gathering.”

A Legacy of ‘Rebel Hearts’

Originally a private estate from the 1920s, La Casa de Maria became a novitiate for the sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in 1943, then expanded to include a retreat center in the 1950s. Ramona Spradling, a member of the Immaculate Heart Community and a board member for the rebuild, recounted how the sisters evolved during the turbulent 1960s.

“In 1970, they became ‘Rebel Hearts,’” Spradling said, explaining how the sisters fought for the right to modernize their mission. This shift led to the formation of the Immaculate Heart Community and the evolution of La Casa de Maria into an interfaith sanctuary open to people of all faiths, or none.

Stephanie Glatt, a former nun who served as the center’s executive director for over a decade, recalled the devastating 2018 Montecito mudslides that destroyed most of the retreat center. The “Center for Spiritual Renewal” building that was the site of Saturday’s gathering was one of the few structures to survive. 

Glatt said the Federal Emergency Management Agency recently removed restrictions on where La Casa de Maria could rebuild post-mudslide. That means the organization can finally rebuild the destroyed buildings where they originally stood.

“I’ve been waiting for this stage for eight years,” Glatt said. “It’s an incredible experience to be alive and be in this room with all of you.”

Shaman and psychologist Tom Pinkson addresses the gathering before singing a ceremonial song.
Shaman and psychologist Tom Pinkson addresses the gathering before singing a ceremonial song. Credit: Benjamin Purper / Noozhawk photo

Meaning in Crisis

The gathering addressed what Weininger called the “turbulent times” of the present, with several speakers drawing parallels between the mudslides and broader global challenges like climate change.

Father Larry Gosselin, a Franciscan friar from Old Mission Santa Barbara, spoke of the “promise of God” in complicated times. Gosselin shared a personal story of recent floods in his home state of Washington, linking it to the shared responsibility of caring for “Mother Earth.”

“How do we care for Mother Earth? What do we do with climate change?” Gosselin said. “I believe there are emissaries of God that come and tell us, and give us hope and peace…  With those messages, we can do what is seemingly impossible.”

Representing the Islamic tradition, Mahomed Akbar Khan, president of the Interfaith Initiative of Santa Barbara County, said he wishes to see more interfaith harmony and the meeting of people’s basic needs. “The greatest joy is when people are happy and they’re secure and content and their food, clothing, shelter, education and safety is there,” Khan said.

Other local faith leaders present included Rev. David Moore of the Beloved Community Church, Rabbi Arthur Gross-Schaefer, fashion model and activist Achok Majak, shaman and psychologist Tom Pinkson, and Episcopal Reverend Scott Claassen.

Reflecting on the various spiritual practices including fasting and connecting with nature, Weininger introduced the concept of “deep resilience” — a strength that goes beyond simple self-care.

“If we touch into the deep groundless ground of being, that gives us deep resilience to not zone out, not to despair, not to shut down,” Weininger said. “ And I think fasting and praying will help us to have this deep resilience.”