Fr. Anselm Smedile, OSB

Date of Ordination: June 28, 2003

(603) 623-2604

Pastor@St-Raphael-Parish.org

Office location: Parish Rectory, 103 Walker Street, Manchester, NH 03102

In August of 2021, Father Anselm Smedile, OSB was named the Pastor of Saint Raphael Parish.  One of three children, he grew up in Salem, MA.  His home parish, Immaculate Conception in Salem, MA, played a significant role in his religious life.  Having attended Catholic schools throughout his life, those who served as teachers, including priests, Notre Dame sisters, and Xaverian Brothers, played an important role in his religious life as well.  

Father Anselm undertook his studies at Saint Anselm Abbey Seminary, Saint John’s Seminary, Brighton, MA, and Weston Jesuit School of Theology, Weston, MA.  Studying with Father Ronald Rolheiser, OMI, a leading specialist in spirituality, Father Anselm also has taken graduate courses in Christian spirituality at the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, Texas.

He entered Saint Anselm Abbey in May of 1997 and served a year-long novitiate under Father John R. Fortin, OSB.  Fr. Anselm was first professed as a Benedictine monk on July 11, 1998, taking solemn or lifetime vows on April 20, 2002.  He was then ordained to the priesthood on the Vigil of the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul on June 28, 2003 in the Abbey by Bishop Joseph J. Gerry, OSB of Portland, Maine.  

Before being named Pastor of Saint Raphael Parish, Father Anselm served as prior of the monastery and junior master, having been named in 2018.  Before that, he served as vocation director, guest master, sacristan and socius, or, guide for candidates and young monks just beginning their journey.  And at Saint Anselm College, he served on the staff of the Office of Campus Ministry and in the Office of College Advancement.

In his service here, he would like to be a pastor for the people who may feel they don’t belong here or even in any church – and help them recognize how God speaks to them and through them.  He looks forward to coming to know parishioners better and better – and hopes we will pray for each other.