He entered the Order of Saint Benedict, taking the name Cölestin.

Studied theology in Linz from 1839 until 1843, receiving minor orders on 26 August 1842 and the diaconate on 15 July 1843.

He was ordained priest on 22 July 1843, working in the parish of Neuhofen until 1846.

Pope Leo XIII created him cardinal priest in the consistory of 10 November 1884 with the title of Sant'Eusebio.

Media related to Cölestin Josef Ganglbauer at Wikimedia Commons