St. Mary of Lourdes, Lincoln, Maine,

 celebrates centennial

  
 

 

  
  (Excerpts from an article that appeared in the December 5, 2002, edition of "Church World," the newspaper of the Diocese of Portland, ME.)  
     
  On November 17, a blustery, wintry day in Maine, the Centennial Anniversary Mass of St. Mary of Lourdes Parish was celebrated by Father Roger Cyr, OMI, pastor and concelebrated by Father Miles Cyr, OMI, parochial vicar.  A large assembly of more than 60 devoted parishioners shared in the Liturgy.

What differentiates the State of Maine and its people from the rest of the United States and its citizens?  They form a truly unique segment of Americana in that they are ruggedly individual.  The northern half of the Pine Tree State provides a scenic vista of pristine lakes and densely wooded mountains.  The 90 mile Allagash Wilderness Waterway challenges any and all true white-water enthusiasts.  Maine's citizens literally exude self-sufficiency and conservatism, traits that reflect the State itself.

Throughout the years this rugged individualism has expressed itself in all phases of life in Maine, even in the birth and the development of Catholic Parishes in the area.  The story of St. Mary of Lourdes Parish in Lincoln, Maine is typical.  It began as a missionary outpost in 1844, erected its first Church in 1902, obtained its first permanent pastor in 1920 and, to this day, has continued to prosper as a Catholic Congregation with it own missionary outposts.

OBLATE PRESENCE

In 1968, the Most Rev. Peter L. Gerety, Bishop of Portland, negotiated a 5-year contract with the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, headquartered in Lowell, MA, to serve Lincoln and the Missions of Winn, Kingman, Wytopitlock, Danforth and Vanceboro.  A team of three Obalte priests arrived on September 15, 1968 to undertake this apostolate.  These pioneers were Father Paul Levesque, OMI (pastor from 1968 to 1971), Father Carl Capen, OMI and Father Leo Leblanc, OMI (pastor from 1971 to 1974).

Over the ensuing years, some 15 Oblates have ministered to the faithful of the Lincoln area.  Besides those mentioned the following were also stationed here: Fathers Richard Desmarais, Robert Morin, Andre Houle (pastor 1974-1977 and 1983-1982), Gilmond Boucher, Roger Roy (pastor 1977-1981), Adhemar Deveau (pastor 1981-1983), Roland Couture, Henri Lavallee, George Sirois (pastor 1992-1999) and George Roy.  The present Oblate team at St. Mary of Lourdes consists of Father Roger Cyr (pastor since 1999) and Father Myles Cyr.  The thrust of their ministry sought to stimulate the faith of the parishioners, to involve the laity in church affairs and to provide spiritual solace to the region.

FORECAST

When Father John Bapst, SJ, began his ministry via stage coach and canoe to a handful of Penobscot Indians in 1844, little did he dream that a viable Catholic Community would evolve in Lincoln.  But the rugged individualism of the early pioneers, priests and laity, and of their successors, kept them staunch in their quest.  Their numbers have grown slowly but steadily over the years.  From 40 families in 1902 to 55 in 1933 and to more than 250 today.  St. Mary of Lourdes has taken its place in the Town of Lincoln and in the annals of the Church and, God willing, will continue to thrive until the end of time.