Information Packet on the Vocation to

Consecrated Virginity for Women Living in the World

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

Chapter

 

 

Page

I.

 

Introductory Remarks

1

 

 

 

 

II.

 

Definition of Consecrated Virginity according to Canon 604

 

 

 

General Definition

2

 

 

What is the Consecration of Virgins?, anonymous

4

 

 

The Consecration of Virgins: What it is and what it should do, excerpts, Fr. Paschal Botz, OSB

 

5

 

 

Consecration of Virgins, excerpts, Fr. Paschal Botz, OSB

9

 

 

Some Elements of Consecrated Virginity, Fr. Harold, OSB

18

 

 

Consecration of Virgins, Fr. Bernard Sause, OSB

20

 

 

Mary in our Lives as Consecrated Virgins, anonymous

21

 

 

Bridal Spirituality of the Consecrated Virgin, St. Bruno and Fr. Romano Guardini

 

23

 

 

A Comparison of the Consecration of Virgins Living in the World with Religious Profession

 

28

 

 

Archbishop Burke’s conference at Information Retreat, 14 June 1997

29

 

 

Consecration of Virgins, Fr. Bernard Hwang, STD

36

 

 

 

 

III.

 

The Rite

 

 

 

The Rite from the Roman Pontifical

48

 

 

Canon 604

61

 

 

The Vocation and Mission of Consecrated Virgins according to Ordo Consecrationes Virginum, Most Rev. Pierre Raffin, OP

 

62

 

 

Sample “Preparation Process” documents

 

 

 

   • Introduction

72

 

 

   • Application Form

74

 

 

   • Reference Form

77

 

 

   • Procedures

80

 

 

   • The Diocesan Bishop

82

 

 

   • The Candidate

84

 

 

   • Frequently Asked Questions

86

 

 

Sample of Consecration certificate

92

 

 

Diocesan Options

94

 

 

 

 

IV.

 

Discernment

 

 

 

Autobiography commentary

95

 

 

Spiritual Direction

96

 

 

Maturity and Consecrated Virginity

98

 

 

Consecrated Virginity Requires the Integrated Person, excerpts, by Dr. Magalis Aguilera, consecrated virgin and clinical psychologist

 

100

 

 

How Do I Discern the Call to Consecrated Virginity?

103

 

 

What Attitude Should I Have?

105

 

 

Discernment, Proper Attitude, Fruitfulness of Consecrated Virginity

107

 

 

Discerning My Vocation

109

 

 

Sacred Person

111

 

 

Insignia

113

 

 

Intention

116

 

 

Perseverance to the End

118

 

 

 

 

V.

 

Basic Prayer Life of the Consecrated Virgin

121

 

 

 

 

VI.

 

History

 

 

 

Time line

123

 

 

Summary of René Metz’ Consecration of Virgins in the Roman Church

 

124

 

 

Anne Leflaive, 1899-1987ä consecrated virgin living in the world in early 20th century

 

137

 

 

“Recent Historical Reflections” from Liturgical Week (Proceedings) 1957

 

139

 

 

 

 

VII.

 

Fathers of the Church on Consecrated Virginity

 

 

 

St. Ambrose

141

 

 

St. Athanasius

145

 

 

St. Augustine

148

 

 

St. Cyprian

150

 

 

St. Gregory of Nyssa

151

 

 

St. Jerome

154

 

 

St. John Chrysostom

156

 

 

St. Leander

159

 

 

St. Methodius of Olympus

162

 

 

St. Nicetas of Remesiana

170

 

 

Pseudo-Clement of Rome

171

 

 

 

 

VIII.

 

Current Documents

 

 

 

Holy Virginity, by Pope Pius XII

174

 

 

Vita Consecrata

196

 

 

“The Consecrated Virgin Lives and Manifests the Wedded Love of the Church for Christ” by Fr. Ignazio Maria Calabuig, given in Rome, June 1995

 

 

277

 

 

“May Christ Be Your Total and Exclusive Love” by Pope John Paul II, given in Rome, June 1995

 

292

 

 

Consecrated Virgins for Today’s Church, by Sr. Sharon Holland, IHM

 

295

 

 

 

 

IX.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

 

Most Rev. Raymond L. Burke, Episcopal moderator

309

 

 

 

 

X.

 

Prayer and Work in the Life of a Consecrated Virgin

 

 

 

Testimonies by consecrated virgins

315

 

 

The Prayer Live of the Consecrated Virgin

328

 

 

 

 

XI.

 

Diocesan Bishop and the Consecrated Virgin

 

 

 

Spiritual Bond

331

 

 

 

 

XII.

 

Brief References

 

 

 

Discernment

333

 

 

Components of spiritual life for consecrated virgin

337

 

 

 

 

XIII.

 

United States Association of Consecrated Virgins

339

 

 

 

 

XIV.

 

Additional Reading and Bibliography

340