91����

In the spirit of adventure — and a yearning for lobster — 91����, New England, chaplain Rev. John Chung led nearly 30 students on a day trip to Maine on Columbus Day. Although spurred on by the prospect of seafood, the primary purpose of the trip was to tour some of Maine’s most beautiful churches, an adventure students were eager to experience on their day off. 

After an early Mass on campus, students piled into vans and vehicles and headed toward the first church on their itinerary: St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Manchester, New Hampshire. They admired the beautiful sanctuary, wandered into the crypt, and studied the intricately designed stained glass, all of which fostered a peaceful environment. “It was very quiet and contemplative,” reflected Kianna Landon (’29), “and the stained glass was some of the most beautiful Italian stained glass I’ve ever seen.” 

Next followed a drive to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland, Maine. Here, students enjoyed the cathedral’s design and the warm Italian community. Just a block away was the final church on their list: St. Peter’s Church, the oldest in Portland. Students admired frescoes of St. Peter’s journey as pope and appreciated details of the art and architecture highlighted by their engrossing tour guide. 

As the day came to a close, the group headed to Fort Williams to watch the sunset and explore the Portland Head Light lighthouse. A calming breeze beckoned them to the Portland Pier, where students split off into smaller groups to enjoy some long-awaited lobster at Maine’s many popular restaurants. 

Overall, the trip was an opportunity for reflection and rejuvenation. “As students of philosophy and theology, it was an opportunity to see Jesus in a new location,” remarked Marianna Favarato (CA’26). “Add in the lobster, and it was both fun and edifying.”