Alerts Sign-up
The concept of consecrated virginity in the Catholic Church is defined by the Code of Canon Law as a vocation for chaste and never-married women. These women are "consecrated to God, mystically espoused to Christ and dedicated to the service of the Church" through a pledge to follow Christ more closely. This consecration is performed by a diocesan bishop according to an approved liturgical rite (Canon 604).
Consecrated virginity is recognized as the oldest form of consecrated life within the church, predating religious life by several centuries. Historically, since apostolic times, some women have chosen to renounce marriage in order to dedicate themselves more fully to Jesus, earning them the title "brides of Christ." The church has maintained a special liturgical ritual for bishops to solemnly consecrate these women since at least the fourth century.
Over time, with the development of religious orders, this practice became less common outside monasteries. By the Middle Ages, consecrated virgins living in secular society had all but disappeared. However, in the mid-twentieth century, following guidance from the Second Vatican Council's document "Sacrosanctum Concilium," this ancient rite was revised and reintroduced in 1970.
In 2018, further clarification was provided by the Vatican through "Ecclesiae Sponsae Imago" (ESI), offering bishops detailed guidance on this vocation. The document covers topics such as vocational discernment and formation processes for aspiring consecrated virgins.
Consecrated virginity remains unique because it is centered within local diocesan churches rather than specific religious communities. A diocesan bishop accepts women into this state and acts as their superior within his diocese. Consecrated virgins are generally called upon to pray for their diocese's needs and serve their local church according to their talents.
The formation process for aspiring consecrated virgins typically lasts three to five years and includes personal mentorship, spiritual direction, theological study, and adopting a lifestyle befitting a consecrated virgin.
Duties include spending time in penance, mercy works, apostolic activity, prayer according to one's state in life and spiritual gifts. "Ecclesiae Sponsae Imago" specifies obligations such as praying the Liturgy of the Hours (ESI 34) and attending daily Mass where possible (ESI 32). They are expected to live ascetically and discern penitential practices with spiritual guidance (ESI 36).
While they do not take vows of poverty or obedience like religious sisters do, they are called to live with evangelical poverty (ESI 27) and co-discern significant aspects of their lives with their bishop (ESI 28).
Jenna Marie Cooper is a canonist who writes weekly at OSV News about various aspects of Catholic life. Questions can be directed to CatholicQA@osv.com.
