Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul -- Lewiston, Maine

(Observer screen grab)

Destination: Raised to the level of basilica in 2006, this parish in Lewiston, Maine, was founded in 1870 to serve French-speaking Catholics in the area.
Masses are offered Saturdays at 4 p.m. in French (upper chapel), 6 p.m. in Spanish (lower chapel); Sundays 7 a.m. in English (lower chapel), 8:30 a.m. in Latin (lower chapel), 10:30 a.m. in English (upper church); Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. (lower chapel).
Why to go: It is the oldest parish for the French-speaking Catholics in the Diocese of Portland, Maine. According to its website (shared with Lewiston’s Prince of Peace Parish), “For the French Canadians who began arriving in Lewiston in the mid-19th century, the Catholic Church was, next to the family, the focal point of life.  Under the guidance of the Church, virtually every spiritual, social, recreational, and educational need was taken care of.
“The history of the parish,” the site continues, “reflects an aspect of the immigrant experience played out over and over again across the United States.”
The French-speaking population was initially served by a French-speaking priest sent by the Diocese of Portand. The French Masses were first offered in one church basement, then another, both of which outgrew the 1,000-strong population of immigrants from Canada.
In 1872, the cornerstone for a French parish — named for St. Peter — was laid, but when a French Dominican order took charge of the parish for the diocese, they called it SS. Peter and Paul. The parish population grew continuously through the early part of the 20th century, forcing divisions for additional parishes and outgrowing the original St. Peter building. The first church was demolished and a basement was finished in 1906. The upper church was approved by the diocese in 1933, completed in 1936 and dedicated in 1938.
The official celebration of becoming a basilica in May 2005 featured concerts, festive liturgies and other events.
Its Casavant Frères organ — opus 1587 and 1588 instruments — are combined through one console, making it the largest church organ in Maine. A Sept. 13 concert celebrated a new console.
Accessibility: The website offers no information about accessiblity.
(Grand) Kid friendly: All ages are welcome.
Info: Address — Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul, 144 Ash St., Lewiston, ME 04240
Phone — 207-777-1200
Website — https://princeofpeace.me/basilica-of-saints-peter-paul-1

— Sharon Boehlefeld compiled this story
Send Destinations ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org

St. Anthony Franciscan Monastery Estate -- Kennebunkport, Maine

(Observer photos/www.franciscanguesthouse.com)

Destination: Established in 1947, St. Anthony Franciscan Monastery is open to the public from sunrise to sunset.This could be a rest stop on a trip to Maine  or to other East Coast destinations, such as Boston. Beginning in April, the neighboring Guest House operated by the friars, will be open again. Both monastery and Guest House details are on the Guest House website.
Masses are offered weekdays at 7:30 a.m.; Wednesday and Friday, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m.; and Sunday, 8, 10  and 11:15 a.m.
Why to go: The Friars welcome visitors to view the quiet beauty of riverside walking paths, English-style gardens, woodlands, and outdoor chapels. The walking path is paved, has views of the river, and benches. A “Walking Tour of the Shrines” brochure is available at the Franciscan Guest House front desk.
Originally the site was a private estate, with landscaping organized by Frederick Law Olmsted Brothers, designers of Central Park in New York City.
In 1947,  the Lithuanian Friars of St. Casimir who had fled the Soviet Invasion of Lithuania, bought the estate. It became a religious center for the friars, the Lithuanian diaspora, and many others.
In the 1950s the friars built St. Anthony’s high school primarily for boys of Lithuanian Heritage, and it remained open until 1969. Some of the friars who served as both administrators and teachers still live at the monastery.  When the high school closed, the property became a year round hotel, guest house and retreat center.
The friars’ Lithuanian heritage lives on in guest house breakfast breads, through informal language lessons for the guests, and in cultural events throughout the year.
Amenities: A gift shop is located under the chapel and is open from 10 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 4 pm daily from March 1 to Dec. 31.
(Grand) Kid friendly: Absolutely.
Info: Address —  Franciscan Guest House, 26 Beach Ave., Kennebunkport, ME 04043
Phone — 207/967-4865
Website — www.franciscanguesthouse.com
 
— CNS; Sharon Boehlefeld contributed to this story.
Send Destinations ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org