By Alice Huth-Derrah
Nestled on 66 acres of lush greenery along the southern coast of Maine is a fairly well-kept secret – the bucolic St. Anthony Monastery and Shrines. Founded by Lithuanian Franciscan Friars, the monastery is located about four miles from Kennebunk and 25 miles from Portland. On a recent visit to Maine, I was privileged to spend some time at what is a true gem for anyone wishing to immerse themselves among peaceful, meditative surroundings. (article continued below picture)
The first Franciscan Friars arrived in Lithuania in the 1200’s and worked to spread the word of God and promote Christianity in a country which still practiced paganism. During their long history in Lithuania, the friars and the Catholic Church periodically faced challenges created by the various governmental influences in power. Almost 80 years ago, Lithuanian Franciscan Friars arrived in the Maine area after fleeing Soviet Union persecution in their homeland. In 1947 some of the friars were able to purchase property from the personal estate of a family named Campbell in Kennebunk and established St. Anthony Monastery and Shrines. It continues to be a working monastery today.
After establishing themselves in Kennebunk, the friars got to work to create a unique, beautiful place to meet their needs in service to God and the faithful. They used some of the existing estate buildings as well as adding other structures to set up an inviting haven for everyone, especially Lithuanian Catholics. Over time the monastery has undergone numerous changes including the building of a high school in 1956, the addition of spectacular statues, and “establishing a Formation Center and Novitiate.” The monastery includes the magnificent main chapel of St. Anthony, a gift shop, and the Franciscan Guest House, which served as the high school prior to its closing in 1969 and now serves as a retreat center and a warm welcome to overnight guests. The campus is open to the public and offers exceptional walking paths that encourage visitors to meander through the picturesque grounds to stop, reflect, and pray.
A number of smaller chapels and shrines can also be found on the premises. These include the Shrine of St. Anthony, the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, and the Chapel of the Stations of the Cross. St. Anthony’s Shrine and the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes are especially striking in their structural design. Professor Vytautas Jonynas, a Lithuanian artist, created large windows in this shrine that look like cut stained glass inserted into cement panels and are described as “slab glass elements.” The colorful play of light throughout the shrine is exquisite. The Grotto was designed by Jonas Mulokas, a Lithuanian architect and engineer who used “locally sourced materials” of “stone and trees” to produce an arched open front with stone steps leading to the altar. The idea of using natural materials is in keeping with the monastery’s commitment to creating spaces that are “spiritual…and deeply connected to the natural environment.”
Although the number of friars originally assigned to the monastery is not known, according to the monastery’s official website (which provides an informative, thorough outline documenting the history of the Lithuanian Friars from their beginnings up to 2017) there are currently “five friars living in Kennebunk.” Daily Masses and three Sunday Masses are held and the friars are available every day “for confessions and spiritual talks.” The welcoming atmosphere and idyllic splendor of the monastery is a testament to the friars who traveled far from their homeland and made a new place to perform their holy work. Throughout the monastery’s years the main mission of these good friars has always remained intact: “To lead thirsty souls towards God.”
