Consecrated Virginity

IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH

What is a "Consecrated Virgin"?

Click on the links on the left for information regarding consecrated virgins in the Catholic Church

From our Episcopal Moderator:

Components of the Spiritual Life for Consecrated Virgins

1. Prayer

• Liturgy of the Hours to sanctify the whole day and bring the whole world to Christ
• Devotion to the Holy Eucharist (daily Mass, if possible, and prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. Some consecrated virgins have permission from their bishop for the Blessed Sacrament to be reserved in their homes.)
• Devotional life (to the Sacred Heart of Jesus; to the Immaculate Heart of Mary; a love for the Blessed Virgin Mary)
• Adherence to the Creed: a) continual renewal of her knowledge of the faith; b) deep knowledge and acceptance of the faith; c) sincere habit of obedience; d) willing to give an account of and witness to her Catholic faith

2. Disposition of consecrated virgin

• serenity of soul as background of her daily prayer
• deep sense of God’s mercy and her participation in God’s mercy by forgiving others
• praise of God as fruit of her humility
• supplication as she recognizes impediments in our lives toward God
• petition for the needs of others
• thanksgiving. Should not have self-pity nor the attitude that "It was all my own doing."

3. Meditation on the Word of God (lectio divina)

4. Seeks silence each day, as she realizes that Christ needs time with us alone and in solitude

5. Special joy in the company of other consecrated virgins and/or candidates

6. Discretion/prudence in spiritual life—avoids situations of temptation or discouragement. Avoids extremes or exaggeration, even in prayer life or service to the Church

7. Sense of sin and trust in God’s mercy

8. Acts of penitence, reparation for sins

—by the Most Rev. Raymond L. Burke

(presentation given at the Information Conference, 2002, Chicago, Illinois)

See also the Preparation Process for the Consecration of Virgins Living in the World

©2004-2008 by the United States Association of Consecrated Virgins. All rights reserved. The USACV provides this information service under the authority of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.