Consecrated Virginity Lived in the World

"Similar to these forms of consecrated life is the order of virgins who, expressing the holy resolution of following Christ more closely, are consecrated to God by the diocesan bishop according to the approved liturgical rite, are mystically betrothed to Christ, the Son of God, and are dedicated to the service of the Church" (Canon 604 § 1)


Those who consecrate their chastity under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit do so for the sake of more fervent love of Christ and greater freedom in the service of their brothers and sisters. They are to spend their time in works of penance and of mercy, in apostolic activity and in prayer, according to their state of life and spiritual gifts. To fulfill their duty of prayer they strongly advised to pray the Liturgy of the Hours each day. In this way, by joining their voices to those of Christ the High Priest and his Church, they will offer unending prayer to the heavenly Father and pray for the salvation of the whole world.

The diocesan bishop is responsible for the virgin’s formation. Ordinarily the responsibility for overseeing and coordinating the formation of candidates will be delegated by the bishop to his Delegate for Consecrated Virginity. 

After the applicant is accepted by the Bishop as a candidate, the bishop, through his delegate, develops an individual plan for the period of formation, including its content and length. The formation period provides a time of further discernment for the candidate and for the bishop, who admits the candidate for consecration. This period should further test and strengthen her resolve to live perpetual virginity. Ordinarily, the period of preparation is not less than two years or may be extended three or more. Length of time will depend on the candidate’s progress and readiness. At any time in the application or formation process, the bishop or virgin may decide that the process should not move forward.

It is understood that candidates for the Consecration of a Virgin would have a sound knowledge of the Catholic faith as expressed in the Catechism of the Catholic Church as a foundation and accept and live their Catholic faith daily. An understanding and healthy growth throughout the process of human development from infancy to adulthood is fundamental to maturity. Only mature women should be considered for the consecration
of a virgin living in the world.

At the completion of the agreed upon period of formation the candidate submits a petition for consecration. In this petition, the candidate seeking to be consecrated as a virgin living in the world, expresses her aspirations and how she would hope to live out this vocation following her spouse, our poor, chaste and obedient Lord. The bishop makes the final decision about the admittance of the candidate to consecration after considering the recommendation of his delegate. At this time, a date can be set for the Rite of Consecration and planning for the Rite can begin.  The consecration of virgins is received by the woman in a public celebration at the hands of the bishop according to the Rite of Consecration of Virgins.

Because of this particular spiritual bond that exists between the diocesan bishop and the consecrated virgin, the bishop has a regular, at least annual, conversation with each consecrated virgin regarding her life of consecration and areas of service in the Church. This regular conversation is not spiritual direction. Rather, it is part of the pastoral dialogue held between the bishop and his spiritual daughters and for this reason should not be delegated to others. In addition, acting on behalf of the bishop, the Delegate
for Consecrated Virginity may meet with those consecrated on a variety of other matters.

Persons interested in this vocation should contact the delegate for Consecrated Virgins.