On September 2, 2023, Brother Celestine Benjamen Hettrick, O.S.B., professed solemn vows as a monk of Saint Anselm Abbey, Manchester, New Hampshire. Abbot Mark Cooper, O.S.B., clothed Brother Celestine with the monastic cuculla, a pleated monastic choir robe, and a symbol of solemn profession.
Standing before the altar and before his brothers in the monastery, Brother Celestine pronounced vows of stability, obedience and conversatio morum, making a permanent commitment of himself to the Lord and to his monastic community. As a solemnly professed monk, Brother Celestine becomes a member of the monastery’s Chapter, as well as a member of the Saint Anselm College, and Woodside Priory School corporations.
Brother Celestine is a native of Salem, New Hampshire. He attended Holy Family Academy in Manchester, New Hampshire, and The International Theological Institute in Trumau, Austria.
Reflecting upon his profession, Brother Celestine commented, “I am overwhelmed with gratitude to God who called me to Saint Anselm Abbey, and to the monastic community in accepting and confirming that call.
Brother Celestine currently serves as Assistant Curator of the Alva de Mars Megan Chapel Art Center at Saint Anselm College. He will be ordained to the diaconate in the near future.
