St. Louis Parish - Portland

What does it mean to speak of an “Aesthetic of Ascent”?
At this fall’s Faith & Beauty Conference, we’ll explore how beauty can draw us upward - toward truth, goodness, and ultimately toward God.

The beauty we encounter in sacred art, architecture, music, and the world around us can do more than draw our attention. It can awaken something deeper within us, directing our hearts and minds beyond what is visible toward the One who is the source of all beauty.

The Aesthetic of Ascent: Ventures in Faith & Form invites us to consider how beauty can become a path of discovery, drawing us closer to God and helping us see the connection between faith, beauty, and the human search for what is true and good.

Join us October 2–3 for the Faith & Beauty Conference, featuring artists David Clayton, Henry Wingate, and Dony MacManus, along with a K–12 Sacred Art Exhibit and opportunities to explore the rich tradition of sacred art.

Learn more about the conference and register at portlandcatholic.org/beauty.

Meet the Artist: Dony MacManus | Sculptor

As we look ahead to this fall’s Faith & Beauty Conference, we’re introducing the three featured artists who will explore the relationship between beauty, faith, and sacred art.

Dony MacManus is an internationally recognized Irish sculptor, painter, and educator whose work seeks to renew sacred and figurative art through the classical tradition. Trained in Dublin and at the New York Academy of Art, Dony has created major sacred works in Ireland, Italy, and the United States. He is also the founder of the Irish Academy of Figurative Art and the Sacred Art School in Florence.

Dony will be joined by fellow featured artists David Clayton and Henry Wingate, who will share their work and insights into the role of beauty and the classical tradition in sacred art.

The Aesthetic of Ascent: Ventures in Faith & Form
October 2–3, 2026
Learn more and register at portlandcatholic.org/beauty

Congratulations to the Knights of Columbus Bishop James Augustine Healy Council #18918!

The Knights have been recognized as a Star Council, the highest honor awarded to local Knights of Columbus councils, recognizing excellence in membership growth, faith formation, service, and community involvement.

In just five months, the council grew to more than 60 members and achieved an incredible 640% of its membership growth quota for the 2025–2026 fiscal year!

Throughout the year, the Knights have faithfully served the five Portland Peninsula & Island Parishes through events and ministries including the Silver Rose Ceremony, African Festival, National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, Corpus Christi Procession, Blessing of the Fleet, parish summer fairs, faith formation activities, and more.

We are grateful for their generous service to our parish communities and congratulate them on this well-deserved recognition!

Interested in becoming a Knight? Membership is open to practicing Catholic men age 18 and older. Contact Mark Clements at 207-272-8800 or [email protected] for more information.

As we look ahead to this fall’s Faith & Beauty Conference, we’re introducing the three featured artists who will explore the relationship between beauty, faith, and sacred art.

Henry Wingate is a Virginia-based Catholic artist known for his classically inspired paintings, portraits, landscapes, and sacred art. A former U.S. Navy F-14 fighter pilot, Henry studied in the Boston School tradition and in Florence, Italy. His sacred works can be found in churches throughout the Washington, D.C., region and beyond, revealing the truth, goodness, and beauty of God’s creation.

Henry will be joined by fellow featured artists David Clayton and Dony MacManus, who will share their work and insights into the role of beauty and the classical tradition in sacred art.

The Aesthetic of Ascent: Ventures in Faith & Form
October 2–3, 2026
Learn more and register at portlandcatholic.org/beauty

Meet the Artist: David Clayton

We’re pleased to welcome David Clayton, iconographer, composer, artist, teacher, and writer, as one of the featured artists at this fall’s Faith & Beauty Conference: The Aesthetic of Ascent, Ventures of Faith & Form.

Based in Princeton, New Jersey, David is Dean of the Faculty of Sacred Arts at Pontifex University. Trained in Byzantine iconography and classical naturalism, he has taught and served as an artist-in-residence at institutions including Thomas More College of Liberal Arts and Pluscarden Monastery. He is also the author of several books exploring art, beauty, and the Catholic faith.

Join David and fellow featured artists Henry Wingate and Dony MacManus as they share their work and insights into the role of beauty and the classical tradition in sacred art.

The Aesthetic of Ascent: Ventures in Faith & Form
October 2–3, 2026
Portland Catholic

Learn more and register at portlandcatholic.org/beauty