Celestinian

A Celestinian monk is a member of one of two austere Catholic religious orders:
* Benedictine Celestines
* Franciscan Celestines

The Benedictine Celestines (also known as the Order of Celestine hermits) were founded by Pope Celestine V before he became pope, in 1254. The Franciscan Celestines (also known as "Spiritual" Franciscans of the Marches) were founded in 1294, while Pope Celestine V was pope.

A short history

Benedictine Celestines

Pietro Angelier, was an Italian Benedictine monk in the 13th century who established several hermitages in southern Italy. For this, he was given the name "Pietro da Morrone", since one of the hermitages was on Mount Morrone in Italy.

He was inspired to create a new more austere order of monks. Angelier asked Pope Urbano IV for his consent to form this new order, which was given in 1264. Originally, the new order was called "Brothers of the Holy Ghost", but later this name was changed to the "Celestines".

Elevation to Pope

In 1294, Angelier was made Pope Celestine V, even though he had very strong misgivings.

Franciscan Celestines

In the fall of 1294, Pietro da Macerata, Pietro da Fossombrone, and other monks on their way back from Armenia, passed through Aquila which was the Papal seat at that time. They met with Celestine V and asked if they could live as hermits under the Rule of St. Francis, but as a separate fraternity.

This should not be confused with the fictional new age spirituality books by James Redfield.

References

* Websters 1913 edition
* [http://www.abruzzoheritage.com/magazine/2001_02/0102_c.htm Story of Celestine V. and the founding of the order]
* [http://www.abruzzoheritage.com/magazine/2001_02/0102_c.htm "San Pietro Celestino", Elena Foresti, Journal of the Abruzzo World Club, Year II No. 4, February 2001.]
* [http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/16020a.htm Catholic encyclopedia article on Celestines]