We took a day of sightseeing along the southern coast of Maine, in the Kennebunk and Kennebunkport areas. My wife had found the shrine and guest house in her research so we decided to make a visit to pray and walk the grounds.
St. Anthony’s Franciscan Monastery is a separate property located adjacent to the Franciscan Guest House. Established in 1947, the Monastery is open to the public from sunrise to sunset. The Friars welcome all visitors. There is a quiet beauty along the riverside walking paths, English-style gardens, woodlands, and outdoor chapels. The walking path is paved, has views of the river, and benches. We found a shrine of Lourdes and little “path-side” prayer shrines to St. Joseph and St. Michael along the trail as well as a statue of St. Kateri Tekakwitha.
In their past, these grounds were incredible for sure. Now, they’ve fallen into disrepair. The grounds and shrines need some TLC. I could envision the guest house and grounds as a beautiful retreat center if there were interest and money to bring back it’s old beauty.
Still worth a visit to find some reflective prayer time in the Chapel or along the walking trails.
