San Ysidro Ranch statue and workers receive special blessing during restoration project

Some divine uplifting took place at the historic San Ysidro Ranch Friday morning in Montecito. The landmark location is coming back from major damages after the January 9 mudflow that impacted several classic cottages and some of the property near the adjacent creek which erupted with giant boulders, destructive water flows and a gas line fire in the storm. In the debris, the statue of San Ysidro Labrador was located in pieces. It was reconstructed by an employee and placed in a prominent location by a colorful rose garden. Father Lawrence Seyer from nearby Our Lady of Mt. Carmel church visited the ranch resort for a small service with the statue now is in its place again. He said this represented the Spanish patron saint of farmers, Saint Isador the laborer. ” We ask God to bless this place all who will visit here and all who work here to bring service to people to help them in their stay,” said Fr. Seyer. “We know God brings healing and brings life and so we ask him to come and renew this great hotel to renew all who work and to renew all the customers who have come back to be refreshed and renewed.”

After readings and responses the workers and the statue were blessed with holy water. Each worker had a red rose and placed it at the base of the statue. It is next to the cottages and the acclaimed Stonehouse restaurant where weddings often take place. Around the property workers are rebuilding and repairing some structures, replanting trees, and upgrading the landscaping. The resort is expected to announce a soft opening and limited operating schedule soon.