Q. I have seen individuals referred to as “consecrated but not affiliated with a religious order.” How do they become “consecrated”? Do they live differently from most lay people? Are they governed by vows? Is this a fairly recent designation?
A. You are referring to the Order of Virgins. Consecrated virginity is a distinct form of consecrated life, related to but not identical to any other forms of consecrated life. The consecrated virgin living in the world, as expressed in Canon Law, is irrevocably “consecrated to God by the diocesan bishop... mystically betrothed to Christ, the Son of God, and are dedicated to the service of the Church” (Canon 604).
Since apostolic times, Christian virgins and widows have been called by the Lord to celibacy for the sake of the kingdom. By making a public, lifetime commitment to perpetual chastity, they are “betrothed” to Christ as a “sacred person” who serves the Church (cf. Catechism 923).
This consecration occurs through a solemn liturgical rite, which was renewed by Vatican II, and is performed by the bishop.
Consecrated virgins do not take vows, but dedicate themselves to a life of prayer, penance, and apostolic service. They live independently in the world, rather than in a traditional religious community, and so work and provide for themselves.
The consecrated virgin wears a ring, but not a habit or veil, and does not use the title “Sister.” She witnesses subtly, but publicly and powerfully, by her virginal life given exclusively to Jesus Christ. Their comportment, modesty and simplicity are signs of their chaste lives.
In a November 2023 column on consecrated virgins, Bishop James Conley explained: “The consecrated virgin is constituted a sacred person in the Church. No particular service or spirituality is imposed. The gift of a life of perpetual virginity is to be harmonized with the other gifts God has given to the woman in creative freedom. The consecrated virgin’s time is spent in works of penance and of mercy, in apostolic activity, and in prayer. She is called to a deep prayer and sacramental life, and is strongly advised to recite the Liturgy of the Hours daily.
“While she is a consecrated person, the consecrated virgin remains in the secular state, providing completely for her own material needs, medical care, and retirement.”
The bishop’s full column is available at. For more, read the Catechism of the Catholic Church, numbers 922-944, or see site consecratedvirgins.org.
Women sensing a call to explore this vocation can contact Bishop Conley at the chancery, or through the diocesan office of vocations.
This question was answered by Father Gary Coulter, co-vicar for religious.
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