When the 1868 Earthquake destroyed the original 1809 adobe church, the Mater Dolorosa (Mother of Sorrows) painting hung in the Baptistry. Miraculously, it survived the earthquake and was placed in storage until recently rediscovered by volunteers. The Committee for Restoration of the Mission San Jose (CRMSJ) launched the initiative in 2025 to have it restored, and enough funds from private individuals were donated to get the work started. Below, you see photos of the “Before” and “Newly Installed” versions of the painting. However, you can see it in person by visiting the Mission! For a detailed account, see the published article from our expert conservators, Preservation Arts.

How You Can Help

👉 Donate Here: https://www.crmsjca.org/support to learn more and make your donation or contact Gary Dorighi at crmsjca@gmail.com.

💰 The Goal

Join the 40 plus individuals who have donated thus far to help us cross the finish line.

Total Project Cost: $30,000
Raised So Far: $20,000 (We are over halfway there! 🙌)
Remaining Need: $10,000

Let’s work together to preserve this incredible piece of our heritage. Thank you for being part of the miracle! 🙏⛪