Monastery of St. Anthony (Maine)

The Monastery of St Anthony in southern Maine is about four miles from the town of Kennebunk.  It is the home of a Lithuanian Franciscan Monastery.  Situated on 66 acres of New England land with an extensive walking network, it offers the ability to tie in with nature, meditate, pray, and simply find the peace and calm of the outdoor.    In addition to the Monastery and grounds, the area also has a guest house that is used by thousands of visitors a year who wish to see the Monastery as well as the surrounding area. 

The following is taken from the Brother’s website:

“On September 8, 1947, the estate was purchased by Lithuanian Franciscans. In 1952, the house was embellished with the Shrine of St. Anthony. In 1953, the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, an imposing and unique shrine, was constructed on the estate grounds and, in 1959, the graceful Chapel of the Stations of the Cross. Both of these shrines, monuments of Lithuanian architectural art, were designed by Jonas Mulokas, winner of the First Prize of the American Architects Association. For the Chapel of the Stations of the Cross, individual stations and two angels were sculptured by Vytautas Kasuba who was decorated with the Gold Medal for art at the 1937 Paris World’s Fair.

The new St. Anthony’s Chapel was constructed between 1965-66. It combines the old tradition with modern expression in a very beautiful way. The chapel’s architect was Dr. Alfred Kulpa of Toronto, Canada. The interior decorations, including the bas-relief, the altars, the stained glass windows, the candlesticks and chandeliers, were magnificently designed, produced, and arranged by Professor Vytautas Jonynas, master of graphic arts, who has been honored with Gold Medals for his achievements at various international art competitions. He is the same artist who decorated the Vatican Pavillion at the 1964 New York World’s Fair with a very meaningful sculpture of the Militant, Suffering, and Triumphant Church.  For the enjoyment of visitors, this monument now ornaments the grounds of St. Anthony’s Monastery.”

St. Anthony of Padua is the patron saint of lost and stolen articles.  Many miracles involving lost people, items, and spiritual goods are attributed to him.