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Consecrated Virgins
In his Apostolic Exhortation
Vita Consecrata, Pope John Paul II addresses the Order of
Virgins in this way:
It is a source
of joy and hope to witness in our time a new flowering of the
ancient Order of Virgins, known in Christian communities ever
since apostolic times. Consecrated by the diocesan Bishop,
these women acquire a particular link with the Church, which
they are commited to serve while remaining in the world. Either
alone or in association with others, they constitute a special
eschatological image of the Heavenly Bride and of the life to
come, when the Church will at last fully live her love for
Christ the Bridegroom. (VC 7).
This ancient vocation dates
back to Apostolic times. Tradition has it that Saint Matthew
was the author of the Solemn Rite of Consecration for Virgins
living in the world. This form of Consecrated Life involves a
solemn blessing of the virgin by the Diocesan Bishop which sets
her apart as a sacred person. She does not profess the vows as
do Religious but follow the life of Our Blessed Lady living the
Gospel values, the evangelical counsels, for the sake of the
Kingdom.
The following passages from
the actual Rite from the Roman Pontifical, chapter 16 Section A
are used in the discernment of the vocation. Please note these
basic are essential for the call to be truly gift from God.
Nature
and Value of Consecration to Virginity
The custom of
consecrating women to a life of virginity flourished even in the
early Church. It led to the formation of a solemn rite
constituting the candidate a sacred person, a surpassing sign of
the Church’s love for Christ, and an eschatological image of the
world to come and the glory of the heavenly Bride of Christ. In
the rite of consecration the Church reveals its love of
virginity, begs God’s grace on those who are consecrated, and
prays with ferver for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
Those who consecrate their
chastity under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit do so for the
sake of more fervent love of Christ and of greater freedom in
the service of their brothers and sisters. They are to spend
their time in works of penance, in apostolic activity, and in
prayer, according to their state in life and spiritual gifts.
To fulfill their duty of
prayer, they are strongly advised to celebrate the Liturgy of
Hours each day, especially Morning and Evening Office (as well
as daily participation in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass). In
this way, by joining their voices to those of Christ the High
Priest and of His Church, they will offer unending praise to the
Heavenly Father and pray for the salvation of the world.
Those Who
May Be Consecrated
This consecration may be
received by nuns or by women living in the world. In the case
of women living in the world it is required:
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that they have
never married or lived in public or open violation
of chastity;
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that by their
age, prudence, and universally approved character
they give assurance of perserverance in a life of
chastity dedicated to the service of the Church and
of their neighbo
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that they be
admitted to this consecration by the Diocesan bishop
who is Ordinary of the place.
It is for the Diocesan
bishop to decide on the conditions under which women living in
the world are to undertake a life of perpetual virginity.
Website:
http://www.consecratedvirgins.org/
Consecrated
Widows/Widowers
Known since
apostolic times (cf. 1 Tim 5:5,9-10; 1 Cor 7:8), these men and
women through a vow of perpetual chastity as a sign of the
Kingdom of God, consecrate their state of life in order to
devote themselves to prayer and the service of the Church. (VC
7).
Further Resources
Consecrated Virginity and Religious Life
Notes from USACV Informational Conference
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