The United States Association of Consecrated Virgins (USACV) is a voluntary association of consecrated virgins living in the world.  The USACV's purpose is to support its members in the faithful living out of their vocation to consecrated virginity and "…to assist one another in service to the Church as befits their state" (Canon 604, Code of Canon Law).   The USACV website is designed both to serve our members and to provide information about the vocation of consecrated virginity lived in the world.

The Most Blessed Virgin Mary is our primary patroness, and Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, Virgin, the first native American to be canonized, is also a patroness of the USACV.  We hope you will enjoy browsing the pages of this website to learn more about the ancient vocation of consecrated virginity, newly restored in the Church in 1970 for women living in the world.

 

USACV celebrates our 30th Anniversary in 2026! 

 

Registration *now open* for our 2026 Annual Information Conference Friday, September 4 through Sunday, September 6. 

This online conference offers an introductory but in-depth look at the vocation of consecrated virginity: its ecclesial identification, history, spirituality, lived experience, prerequisites for admission, and requisite formation. The conference includes times of prayer, questions and answers, talks and testimonies by consecrated virgins as well as talks from our Episcopal Moderator, Bishop Earl Boyea.

Anyone with a serious interest in the vocation is invited to attend:

  • Those inquiring for themselves
  • Those in formation with a Diocese (applicants or candidates)
  • Diocesan personnel involved in the preparation of virgins for consecration (such as delegates for consecrated life, vocation directors, or spiritual directors)
  • Virgins already consecrated and seeking renewal and ongoing formation

Click here to register.

 

Convocation 2026

Convocation 2026 was a joyful time of fellowship at the Norbertine Retreat Center in De Pere, WI. A record number of 40+ virgins from 28 Dioceses focusing on the central theme of Virginal Love for the Bridegroom and celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the USACV. Fr. David Whiteside, who has been coming for 7 or so years to serve as our Convocation chaplain, gave tender reflections on the sacred humanity of Christ in his Sacred Heart, Holy Face, and Precious Blood. Bishop Boyea—ever the historian—dove into the topic of virginity in early church writings, and presentations from consecrated virgins highlighted the public witness of this vocation and the meaning of virginal love in spirituality, ecclesial tradition, and the live expression of this call. Highlights for many attendees were visits to the National Shrine of St. Joseph and the Shrine of Our Lady of Champion. As always, we cherished the opportunity to chant Lauds and Vespers together, along with daily Mass and adoration. Our Sunday evening anniversary dinner was an opportunity for founding and longtime members of the Association to share memories of its inception alongside a photo slideshow.