Brother Nicholas Radelmiller examines the burned remains of Mt. Calvary Monastery on Thursday. The monastery, established in 1947, was destroyed Nov. 13 when the Tea fire swept through, driven by 70 mph winds. The retreat sits on a ridge 1,250 feet above Santa Barbara, with a view of the Santa Barbara coastline and the Channel Islands. (Brian Vander Brug / Los Angeles Times)
Brother Nicholas Radelmiller rings the charred bell, which was used to call monks to prayer. Whether the tiny Order of the Holy Cross will rebuild is unknown. A decision will not be made until a conclave in June. (Brian Vander Brug / Los Angeles Times)
Brothers of the Order of the Holy Cross and others share tea and cakes at St. Mary’s Retreat House in Santa Barbara, where they have been staying since fire destroyed their home. (Brian Vander Brug / Los Angeles Times)
On clear days, monastery has commanding views of the Santa Barbara coastline. (Brian Vander Brug / Los Angeles Times)
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A mural is seen on the side of a damaged building at the monastery. “It was a place where people could step out of their routine,” said Brother Nicholas Radelmiller, the monastery’s prior. (Reed Saxon / Associated Press)
