Commemorative Days

July 28, 2024
Event

Sunday, July 28, 2024, is the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. Established by Pope Francis in 2021, the day is celebrated annually on the fourth Sunday of July near the liturgical memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus.

August 6, 2024
Event

On August 6, 1945 our country dropped the atomic bomb on the city of Hiroshima in Japan, a large population center and military target. St. Joseph Church at 673 Stevens Avenue in Portland will be open 6:30-7:30 PM on August 6 for a time to pray for peace.  There will be a brief opening prayer at 6:30 p.m. and closing prayers and prayers of intention just before 7:30 p.m. In between there will be time for quiet prayer for peace – on our homes, our hearts, our world. All are welcome to join. 

August 11, 2024
Event

The Maine Irish Heritage Center and the local Ancient Order of Hibernians will commemorate the 25th anniversary of the dedication of the Great Hunger Memorial in the Catholic Ground in Western Cemetery on August 11, 2024. The Most Reverend Bishop Robert P. Deeley, bishop emeritus of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland, will give a blessing.

August 24, 2024
Event

A Mass and pilgrimage to mark 300 years since the killing of Father Sebastian Râle will be held on August 23 and 24 in Madison.

August 25, 2024
Event

Prayers, reflections, and readings commemorating the 300th anniversary of the killing of Father Sebastian Râle will be shared at Holy Martyrs of North America Church in Falmouth, on Sunday, August 25, 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.