Biddeford has a special connection to St. Francis because UNE — formerly St. Francis College — was founded by St. Franciscan brothers Monsignor Arthur Decary and Father Zenon Decary
By DIANE CYR | Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center
Eight hundred years to the day after the death of Saint Francis of Assisi, the Biddeford Cultural and Heritage Center will bring together historians, Franciscan friars, University of New England representatives, alumni and community organizations for a special program examining Biddeford’s Franciscan legacy.
“Maine Celebrates the Franciscan Jubilee Year” will be held Saturday, October 3, 2026, at the University of New England’s Biddeford campus as part of the Biddeford Cultural and Heritage Center’s 250th Anniversary Lecture Series.
The date carries special significance.
Saint Francis died on October 3, 1226, and 2026 marks the 800th anniversary of his death. Pope Leo XIV has proclaimed a special Jubilee Year of Saint Francis from January 10, 2026, through January 10, 2027, commemorating the anniversary and highlighting Francis’ enduring example of peace, service and care for others.
For Biddeford, the anniversary also provides an opportunity to revisit an important chapter in the city’s own history. Central to that story are brothers Monsignor Arthur Decary and Father Zenon Decary, whose work helped shape religious, educational and community life in Biddeford.
Monsignor Decary played a leading role in establishing a Franciscan school in the city, working with the Franciscan Order in Montreal. The institution opened in 1939, developed from Saint Francis High School and Junior College into St. Francis College, and later became part of the University of New England.
The event program itself traces that institutional history from the original Franciscan school to present-day UNE and includes tours of the Saint Francis Room Museum and the Franciscan burial site on campus.
Both Monsignor Arthur Decary and Father Zenon Decary are buried on the UNE grounds, along with several Franciscan friars. Father Zenon remains a figure of particular devotion for some in the region, where supporters have preserved accounts of favors and miracles attributed to his intercession and have encouraged consideration of his cause for sainthood.
The October 3 program will also explore the enduring influence of Saint Francis himself.
Born in Assisi, Italy, in the late 12th century, Francis gave up wealth and social status for a life centered on poverty, faith, service and reconciliation. His concern for the poor and marginalized, his efforts toward peace and his reverence for the natural world made him one of the most influential religious figures in Christian history.
The event is being organized by the Biddeford Cultural and Heritage Center in cooperation with the University of New England, Franciscan representatives, members of the Knights of Columbus, Saint Francis College alumni, historians, archivists, civic leaders and community volunteers.
Participants will include Dr. James D. Herbert, president of the University of New England; Father Algis, OFM; Robert Cyr, chairman of Maine Celebrates the Franciscan Jubilee Year; and Severin Beliveau, Esq., Saint Francis College alumnus and recipient of the French Legion of Honor, who will serve as master of ceremonies.
Featured speaker Dr. Donna Foley, OFS, of the Franciscan School of Theology, will present “Why You, Francis? A Conversation About Saint Francis of Assisi.” A question-and-answer session with Foley and Beliveau will follow.
The program will also include a tour of the Saint Francis Room Museum led by curator Dennis Letellier, followed by a visit to the graves of Monsignor Arthur Decary, Father Zenon Decary and Franciscan friars buried on the UNE campus.
Coffee and welcome begin at 9:30 a.m., with the formal program starting at 10 a.m. Activities are scheduled through approximately 2:30 p.m.
About the Biddeford Cultural and Heritage Center
The Biddeford Cultural and Heritage Center works to preserve, interpret and share the history and diverse cultural heritage of Biddeford and its people. Its 2026 lecture series is being presented as part of Biddeford’s 250th anniversary observances.
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