Celestine Benjamen Hettrick, O.S.B., a member of the Saint Anselm monastic community, was ordained to the Diaconate on Saturday, February 10th, 2024, the Feast of Saint Scholastica, a day that holds special meaning for the monastic community as she is the twin sister of Saint Benedict. He was ordained by the Most Reverend Robert P. Deeley, J.C.D., Bishop of Portland. Following his ordination and according to house custom, he will be known as Father Celestine.
As a deacon, Father Celestine is now a minister of service for Saint Anselm Abbey and the wider Church. Among his many duties, he will assist priests with the administration of the Sacraments.
Father Celestine was presented for ordination by Abbot Mark Cooper, O.S.B., Abbot of Saint Anselm Abbey.
After the laying on of hands and prayer of ordination by Bishop Deeley, Father Celestine was vested with the stole and dalmatic, signs of his office within the Church.
During the Rite of Ordination, Bishop Deeley instructed Father Celestine regarding his new ministry: "As a deacon, you will serve Jesus Christ, who was known among his disciples as the one who served others. Do the will of God generously. Serve God and mankind in love and joy."
Originally from Salem, New Hampshire, Father Celestine professed vows as a Benedictine monk in 2020. Father Celestine completed seminary studies at Saint John’s Seminary in Brighton, MA. He also attended Holy Family Academy in Manchester, New Hampshire, and the International Theological Institute in Trumau, Austria. He currently serves Saint Anselm College as Assistant Curator of the Alva de Mars Megan Chapel Art Center. He will be ordained to the priesthood later this year.