Campo Santo Columbarium
The Columbarium at the Episcopal Conference Center located in Oakhurst, California nestled among the oaks and manzanita near a seasonal stream.
The burial niches are firmly bored into solid granite outcroppings, and are sealed tight with engraved brass covers which are set flush to the granite surface to preserve the natural look of the area.
A rustic pathway to Campo Santo leads the visitor through the Fourteen Stations of The Cross. Wooden benches, for meditation and prayer, are located conveniently along the trail. At the end of the trail, we find a natural rock grotto protecting a bronze sculpture of the Risen Christ with outstretched arms; a symbol of His everlasting love. A short distance from the shrine a redwood bridge arches across a stream leading the visitor into the Columbarium.
Campo Santo (Holy Ground) is located at the western edge of the conference center’s 160 acres adjacent to the Sierra National Forest. The Columbarium is owned by the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin; is licensed and permitted by the State of California and the County of Madera. Campo Santo is subject to the same permits required by all state licensed burial grounds.
The Shrine of the resurrected Jesus greets visitors to Campo Santo. The bronze sculpture was created by artist Masaito Sanae of Friant California, and was erected in 1988. Bishop Victor M. Rivera, who blessed the placement and opening of the Columbarium, was the man whose dream founded Campo Santo.
