Nov 17, 2011 / 18:51 pm
The Camp St. Malo Retreat Center severely damaged in a Nov. 14 fire has had a “huge” place in the life of the Catholic Church in Colorado, its director says.
“It’s a wonderful place with a wonderful history,” center director José Ambrozic told CNA on Nov. 15.
“Many priests can trace their vocations to their experience as campers at St. Malo, or as seminarians who during the summers helped as camp counselors.”
A fire destroyed much of the center's three-story, 49-room lodge and conference center on Monday. Firefighters initially believed flammable gases built up in a chimney and ignited, causing an explosion.
The retreat center had sent home its guests on Sunday because of a power outage caused by high winds.
“I’m sad because of everything St. Malo represents. It will be a challenge to rebuild,” Ambrozic said. “On the other hand, I’m very glad that there are no personal casualties.”