Our final “Faith on the Road” stop in Maine takes us to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland Maine.
The Cathedral is the Mother Church of the Diocese of Portland. Construction of the original Cathedral began in 1866 under the direction of noted New York architect, Patrick C. Keeley. It is acknowledged as his finest work in Maine. The walls were nearly completed when the July 4, 1866 fire destroyed it to the ground. Rebuilding began in 1868 and the Cathedral was dedicated on September 8, 1869.
The Cathedral has three steeples, the highest of which soars 204′ high, the tallest structure in Portland, overlooking Portland Harbor and Casco Bay to the east and the New Hampshire mountains to the west.
Enjoy this beautiful Cathedral as we prepare to move southward to Vermont. We are excited to see what the next leg of “Faith on the Road” brings us.
O Immaculata, Queen of Heaven and Earth, refuge of sinner and most Loving Mother, God has willed to entrust the entire order of mercy on to you. I, (State you name), a repentant sinner, cast myself at your feet, humbly imploring you to take me with all that I am and have, wholly to yourself as your posseession and property. Please make of me, of all my powers of soul and body, of my whole life, death and eternity, whatever most pleases you. If it pleases you, use all that I am and have without reserve, wholly to accomplish what was said of you: “She will crush your head” and “You alone have destroyed all the heresies in the world.”
Let me be a fit instrument in your immaculate and merciful hands for introducing and increasing your glory to the maximum in all the many strayed and indifferent souls, and thus help extend as far as possible the Blessed Kingdom of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. For wherever you enter, you obtain the grace of conversion and growth in holiness, since it is through your hands that all graces come to us from the most Sacred Heart of Jesus.
V. Allow me to praise you, O Sacred Virgin. R. Give me strength against your enemies.
Beautiful structure!! Thanks for sharing , Ed!!