Catholic Sites in Maine

Maine is the only New England state with a Catholic history rooted deep in the colonial period. As early as 1604, years before the Pilgrims arrived in this country, the first missionaries arrived in what is now Maine as part of an attempt to colonize the new territory. The state is filled with the memories of the arrival of the first Franciscans, Capuchins, Jesuits, priests of the Foreign Missions, and the priests of the diocese of Quebec who ministered to the spiritual needs of the Native Americans and French traders here.

Champlain's settlement , Holy Cross Island (1604). Located on the Ste. Croix River near Calais and where first Christmas Mass was celebrated in 1605.

Site of the St. Sauveur Mission, Mt. Desert Island (1613).

St. Patrick Church, Newcastle. First Catholic Church in Maine and oldest standing Catholic Church north of New York (1808). http://www.stpatricksnewcastle.org/

St. Dominic Church, Portland . First Catholic Church in the City of Portland. http://www.shsdp.org/

Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception , Portland (1869), built by Bishop Bacon, first Bishop of Portland. http://www.portlandcathedral.org/

Bishop James A. Healy burial site & monument at Calvary Cemetary, South Portland.

Father Sebastian Rasle monument on site where he was martyred in Norridgewock, Maine.

St. Denis Church, North Whitefield (1835, present parish) - 2nd oldest Catholic Church in New England.

The Kavanagh Mansion, Defender of Catholic Rights and Maine's first Catholic Governor (built 1803), Damariscotta, Maine.

Basilica, Lewiston . Maine's largest church and the second largest in all of New England sitting approx. 2,200 people in the main church building. Link

Cross & plaque, St. David's, Madawaska . Marking spot where Acadians first entered Maine crossing from Canada over the St. John River. Link

Monument for J.M. Robert de la Mennais 1780-1860, Alfred, Maine. Founders of Brothers of Christian Instruction.

St. Paul's Retreat Center, Augusta. Formerally the Governor Hill Mansion presented to the Oblates of Mary in 1949 and now operated by the Diocese of Portland.

Cathedral Elementary School, Portland . First Catholic School established in the diocese by Bishop David Bacon in 1864 (originally St. Aloysius). http://home.maine.rr.com/cathed/