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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 committed 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 fervor 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 perseverance in a life of
chastity dedicated to the service of the Church and
of their neighbor.
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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.
Helps
for Spiritual Directors
The following resources should be used with
prayer, study and meditation for those women discerning the call
and gift to the Life of Consecrated Virginity Living in the
World:
1. A copy of the Rite of Consecration Part A
From: Roman Pontifical Chapter 16 Part A, pages 280 – 305 and
Appendix Suggested Readings and Litany or The RITES II part A,
pages 155-175 and Appendix Suggested Readings and Litany The
Homily and Prayer of Consecration explains the virgin’s way of
life. A woman called to this vocation sees in these two sections
not only an affirmation of how she is already living but also a
confidence that the Church has historically held this gift as a
part of its life since Apostolic Times. These two essential
parts of the Rite would be comparable to the Rule of Life and
Constitutions for someone in religious life.
LINKS: -
Consecration to a Life of Virginity for Women Living in the
World, Part A, Homily & Prayer of Consecration
- Consecration to a Life of
Virginity for Women Living in the World, Part A, Complete Rite
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Appendix I – Suggested readings
- Appendix II –
Litany of the Saints
2. Code of Canon Law
LINK:
Canon § 604
3. Lives of the Virgin and Virgin /Martyr
Saints
“Take as your example the Virgin saints who
have enriched the Church’s life in every age.” Pope John Paul
II, 1995 International Conference for Consecrated Virgins, Rome,
Italy You will have some favorites. For a copy of a compiled
lives of the virgin saints contact the Office of Consecrated
Life.
LINK: Virgin and Virgin/Martyr Saints
4. 1988 Homily from Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger
Mass of Consecration to a Life of Virginity for Women Living in
the World
LINK:
1988 Homily
5. 1995 Pope John Paul II International
Congress for Consecrated Virgins Living in the World
LINK:
1995 Presentation
6. 2008 Pope Benedict XVI International
Congress for Consecrated Virgins Living in the World
LINK:
2008 Presentation Pope Benedict XVI
7. 2008 Archbishop Raymond Leo Burke
International Congress for Consecrated Virgins Living in the
World
LINK:
2008 Presentation Archbishop Raymond Leo Burke
There are many more sources and reference
books but these are the basic resources that need to become the
foundation of the virgin’s life. The Rite of Consecration needs
to be interiorized and fleshed out according to each virgin’s
gifts and graces.
Website:
http://www.consecratedvirgins.org/
Further Resources
Consecrated Virginity and Religious Life
Notes from USACV Informational Conference
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