New Camaldoli Hermitage Evacuation Update

Dear Oblates and Friends, Thank you very much for your prayers and concern for the community of New Camaldoli as the wildfires continue here in Big Sur. We are grateful for the many messages of concern and prayer we have received during these difficult days. As our area is presently under an Evacuation Warning because of the Plaskett Fire to the south of the Hermitage and the Timber Fire continues to burn to our north, we decided it was prudent to evacuate and close the Hermitage before the situation became more urgent. Members of the monastic community and staff are safe and being well cared for.

We have been deeply touched by the prayers and expressions of support we have received from so many people. Please continue to hold New Camaldoli in your prayers, but also let your prayers extend to our neighbors throughout Big Sur, especially those whose homes and livelihoods are threatened by fires. We pray also for the safety of the firefighters and emergency personnel working in difficult and dangerous conditions, and for their families who wait and worry for them. We are profoundly grateful for their courage, dedication, and service to our community as they work to protect the Hermitage and this beautiful and fragile part of the Big Sur coast.

For the time being, the Hermitage remains closed while the fire is active and the evacuation warning remains in place, and we will announce reopening plans when it is appropriate to do so.

With gratitude for your prayers, friendship, and support,
Fr. Ignatius 

Prior - New Camaldoli Hermitage

With New Camaldoli already empty, Fr. Ignatius, walks alone from the church to the waiting car after entrusting the Hermitage and all it holds to God. He would be the last monk to leave