Catholic Dictionary

Find accurate definitions of over 5,000 Catholic terms and phrases (including abbreviations). Based on Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

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CELESTINES

A branch of the Benedictines founded by Pope St. Celestine in 1250. It survived until 1785, when its last surviving house of Calavino near Trent was closed. First established on Monte Morrone, its spirit was one of great asceticism, favoring the solitary monastic life. At one time, it numbered one hundred fifty monasteries and exerted great influence even over the mother Benedictine community at Monte Cassino.