A Time of Gratitude

La Casa de Maria is a special place for many of us. I discovered it walking in Montecito many years ago. Who knew that I would eventually be married in its chapel? These 26 acres spell peace in the best way. 

The Chumash were the first residents to tend the spirit and beings of this land. Then it began as an estate, became a Catholic novitiate and is now an interfaith retreat and conference center located at 800 El Bosque Road. There are 42 guest rooms for overnight accommodations and a variety of meeting rooms for 10 to 140 people. La Casa is stewarded by the Immaculate Heart Community; a lay, ecumenical community of women and men.

La Casa recently had a day of gratitude to celebrate and honor Stephanie Glatt, who was its director for 40 years and now will be director emerita. They were also thanking their supporters for helping pay off the mortgage in a $4,500,000 capital campaign.

The afternoon began in the lovely garden terrace with wine and canapés. We moved on to Casa Regina for a program and video of Stephanie’s life. She entered the novitiate in 1958. When the nuns were all dispersed by Cardinal Archbishop McIntyre, Stephanie remained as director. Steve Jacobsen is now the director and couldn’t praise her enough. He said, “She has a Mona Lisa smile.” The retreat center handles about 400 groups a year counting their own and outsiders coming in to teach, giving seminars in everything imaginable from beekeeping to prayer practice.

Stephanie told me, “This day is so special, because so many people from different parts of my life have come.” The latest news is a $900,000 grant from the state to conserve rainwater in a long-range management plan. When it is fully implemented, La Casa will be saving 74 percent compared to their present use.

La Casa generously leaves their gates open so you can walk and bring your dog along. I never miss the blessing of the animals October 5. La Casa is such a gem for people of all faiths or no faith. La Casa can renew body, mind, and spirit. Look on their website and you’ll get the idea: www.lacasademaria.org.