PEACE & GOOD
The beautiful grounds of St Anthony Monastery, the landscape of which was designed by the Frederick Law Olmstead Brothers, are open to the public and are a great place to come to relax, pray and meditate. St. Anthony is an active monastery.
Formerly an estate, this facility has been owned by Lithuanian Franciscans since 1947. The Chapel combines the old tradition with modern expression in a very beautiful way.
Come to enjoy our Chapel and peaceful and expansive grounds! Everybody is most welcome to visit, to rest, to meditate, and to pray.
St. Anthony of padua shrine
On October 13, 2025, a group of pilgrims from St. Anthony Shrine in Kennebunk, Maine were entrusted by the Franciscan Friars in Padua, Italy, with a first class relic “ex massa corporis” ( from the body’s substance) of St. Anthony of Padua.
The group was on a Holy Year pilgrimage in Italy, led by Br. Algirdas Malakauskis OFM, following in the footsteps of St. Francis of Assisi and exploring the origins of the Order of Friars Minor. While in Padua, and at the request of Provincial Minister Fr. Evalidas Darulis, OFM, the pilgrims were presented with this sacred relic, which has now been brought back to St. Anthony Shrine in Kennebunk.
The relic will be exposed for public veneration on Tuesdays following the 7:30 am Holy Mass.
St. Anthony, a devoted follower of St. Francis, is renowned for his powerful preaching and the many miracles attributed to his intercession.
The Bible in Our Lives Discussion Group ~ TUESDAYS at 8:30 am
Please join us in the Formation Room as we study and discuss The Bible in our lives following Tuesday morning’s mass (8:30 am - 9:30 am).
We look forward to seeing you there. Let’s grow in God’s truth together!
Upcoming Renovations to the Franciscan Guest House
UPDATES ON THE PROJECT:
For over two years, plans have been underway to renovate the beloved Franciscan Guest House into The Canticle Hotel. A significant milestone was reached on Assumption Day, August 15, 2024, when the Kennebunk Site Plan Review Board approved the renovation project, which includes updates to the existing buildings and property.
With approval in place, the Franciscan Friars of St. Casimir Province (Lithuania) finalized plans, secured funding, and reviewed construction bids. Everything was set to begin in December 2024.
However, in October 2024, a local resident filed an appeal with the Zoning Board of Appeals, challenging the Site Plan Review Board’s decision. This legal matter is now between the Town of Kennebunk and the resident, with the Friars of St. Anthony Monastery as an interested party.
Despite this delay, the Franciscan Friars of St. Casimir Province reaffirmed their commitment to the project in January 2025. Until the legal issues are resolved, construction is on hold, but the Franciscan Guest House remains open and will welcome visitors for the 2025 season. We invite you to explore our peaceful and expansive grounds, visit the Chapel, and find a moment of rest, reflection, and prayer.
We deeply appreciate the support of our friends and willprovide further updates as the situation unfolds.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support.
Fr. Algirdas Malakauskis,
Provincial delegate to North America
What do private property signs mean?
The “Private Property” signs simply indicate that the land has been owned by the Friars of the Monastery since 1947. While the property remains private, the Friars warmly welcome all visitors to walk on the grounds, appreciate their natural beauty and serenity, pray, and find rest. Visitors are also welcome to park on the grounds. Unfortunately, the signs became necessary due to occasional instances of misuse. However, they do not change the Monastery’s commitment to hospitality and openness. To help preserve the integrity of the land, historical and archeological research is not permitted without the consent of the Guardian of the Monastery. The friars remain dedicated to welcoming everyone and ensuring that this sacred space remains a place of peace, prayer, and reflection for all.
donations for sT. aNTHONY Monastery
The monastery welcomes thousands of visitors to the grounds and the chapel every year. We sincerely appreciate donations for the upkeep of the monastery. Thank you for your support!
We hope and pray that your visit will be an occasion for God's blessings for you and all your family, both now and later.
May the Lord give you peace, as you get acquainted with our website.
