Caribou native ordained as priest in Portland rite

by Staff Aroostook Republican
16 years ago
ImageBy Debra Walsh
Staff Writer

    A Caribou native was ordained as a Catholic priest earlier this month during ceremonies at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland.

ImageContributed photo
    Robert Lupo, formerly of Caribou, kneeling, was ordained May 16 as a Catholic priest during a service at the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception in Portland. Administering the rite is Bishop Richard Malone.


     Robert Lupo, 43, took his vows on May 16.
    Lupo’s parents were Robert E. and the late Eleanor B. “Deedee”  Lupo, who owned Lupo’s Clothing, a men’s closing store in Caribou for many years.
    At one time in his life, Lupo rejected the concept of organized religion and scoffed at the notion of entering the ministry. But after years of working at different jobs, a friendship with a man who became like a father figure to him slowly changed all that.
    Father Lupo received a political science degree from the University of Southern Maine and had worked in a bank, video store and manufacturing company. After his friend died, he began to give serious thought to connecting with the Catholic Church.
    Father Lupo graduated from Blessed John XXIII National Seminary in Weston, Mass., earlier this year.
    “I’m looking forward to being part of a parish community again and establishing a home,” said Lupo in a statement issued from the Catholic Diocese. “While it will be more difficult to get to know a larger community in the new (church) cluster settings, I’m hopeful about the challenges and opportunities that structure will provide.”
    His first assignment will be as a chaplain at Maine Medical Center in Portland. Later this fall, he will be assigned to Good Shepherd Parish in Biddeford.
    “I am anxious about ministering to the sick and the dying because it is a time of fear, loss or even anger,” said Lupo. “But my mission will be to meet the people where they are in the grief process and to bring hope to what can be a time of great grace. It will be a huge responsibility, but also an honor to share in these important moments.”
    During his time as seminarian and deacon, Lupo served parishes in Madawaska, Grand Isle, Waterville, Bangor, York, Kittery, Berwick and South Berwick.