Consecrated Virginity
“For your Maker is your husband, the Lord of hosts is his name”
Isaiah 54 : 5
What is Consecrated Virginity
Consecrated virginity (CV) is said to be the earliest form of religious life in the church. From apostolic times, Christian virgins and widows decided, with the Church’s approval, to ‘cling to Him with greater freedom of heart, body and spirit’, and to live in a state of virginity or perpetual chastity for the sake of the kingdom of heaven (CCC 922).
A Consecrated Virgin takes vows under the diocesan bishop, supports herself and usually lives alone. She is usually at the service of the diocese where she is consecrated or where she resides. In the consecration, a CV is ‘betrothed mystically to Christ and in service of the Church’.
Daily Life of Consecrated Virgins
Consecrated Virgins continue to live and work in the world, providing for their own needs. They can pursue their choice of profession and continue to support themselves. The diocese does not become financially responsible for her. As with secular institutes, CVs do not have any specific clothing or habit. They can form themselves into associations but ordinarily, there is no form of community living.
I am a bride of Christ, I am wed to Him. I am not consecrated so I can
live the free, single life and do whatever I want.
I am consecrated so I am completely available to the desires and workof my spouse.
Further Information
To know more about this choice, visit Consecrated Virginity and this Information Packet has all the information on this choice in the Church. It will help you understand and discern for this vocation. Do note that these are western sites and may not accurately reflect the Indian context.
If you need some more specific information or to talk to someone who has made this choice, send us a mail at info@evocation.org.