The Second Vatican Council acknowledged and affirmed this ancient form of consecrated life and it is described in the 1983 Code of Canon Law in this way: ‘In addition to the institutes of consecrated life, the Church recognizes the eremitic or anchoritic life by which the Christian faithful devote their life to the praise of God and the salvation of the world through a stricter withdrawal from the world, the silence of solitude and assiduous prayer' .
For further information, contact the Delegate for Consecrated Life for the Archdiocese: Call: 651. 291.1635
The Order of Virgins Consecrated Virginity Lived in the World
The Consecration of a Virgin Living in the World is one of the oldest sacramentals in the Catholic Church. This form of consecrated life is ancient and new. After experiencing the flourishing of the Ordo of Virgins in the early Church, the celebration of this rite for women living in the world went into disuse. One of the fruits of the Vatican II was the restoration of this profound blessing on virgins living in the world. The promulgation of this restored Rite for women living in the world was on May 31, 1970. Since then, we have again experienced the blessings of this vocation. Through this sacramental, the virgin publicly expresses her resolve to live in perpetual virginity for God and is set aside as sacred, espoused to Christ, and belonging only to Him alone. It is God Himself who accepts her resolution and makes it spiritually fruitful by the power of the Holy Spirit. This sacramental is reserved to the Bishop of the diocese. The consecrated virgin shares intimately in the nature and mission of the Church; she is a living image of the Church’s love for her Spouse while sharing in His redemptive mission.
This consecration may be received by nuns or by women living in the world. In the case of women living in the world, it is required: a) that they have never married or lived in public or open violation of chastity b) that by their age, prudence, and universally approved character they should give assurance of perseverance in a life of chastity dedicated to the service of the Church and of their neighbor c) that they be admitted to the consecration by the bishop who is the ordinary of the diocese.
Since this Consecrated Virginity Lived in the World is different from private promises and dedicated single vocations, there is a period of formation and mutual discernment on the part of the archbishop and the inquirer. For further information, including if you are inquiring about the vocation, contact the Delegate for Consecrated Life for the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, Nicole Bettini. 651. 291.1635 | [email protected]
