Consecration to a Life of Virginity

All the baptised are called to live the Gospel in their daily lives.  This is true for those who are young, old, married, single, ordained or members of a religious community.  

Single Life

Some women choose to live a single life without the commitment to a religious order.  Among these are women who desire to dedicate their life to the service of God and of their neighbour.   These women have never been married and wish to follow Christ with fervent love and have greater freedom ‘in the service of their brothers and sisters.’  They do this at the discretion of the local bishop after prayer and dialogue with him. They follow a pattern that began in the early church. ‘The custom of consecrating women to a life of virginity flourished even in the early church.’  (Consecration to the Life of Virginity – CLV1) 

They are admitted to this way of life by the bishop of their diocese if their "age, prudence and universally attested good character" (CLV5b) indicate that they are suitable to undertake a lifelong commitment.  They may continue to live and work as other single women but with a particular commitment to the mission of the Church. "They are to spend their time in works of penance and of mercy, in apostolic activity, and in prayer, according to their state of life and spiritual gifts"(CLV2).

Their life is to be nourished by the Liturgy of the Hours each day, especially through the Morning and Evening Prayer of the Church. 

‘In this way, by joining their voices to those of Christ the High Priest and of his Church, they will offer unending praise to their heavenly Father and pray for the salvation of the whole world.’   (CLV2)

Rite of Consecration

There is a special Ritual of Consecration provided for the admission of women to this way of life.  As with all rites which flow from Baptism it is preferable that the celebration takes place within the Easter season.  Sundays, solemnities, feasts of the Blessed Virgin Mary or of Holy Virgins are other appropriate options.   The local community are to be invited to witness this solemn commitment.  It provides an opportunity for deepening their appreciation and understanding of this way of life in the church.

The rite is celebrated usually within the Eucharist after the Gospel.  During the homily, the bishop invites the assembly to ‘think of the good these women will accomplish by their prayers and good works, and the abundant blessings they will obtain from God for holy Church, for human society, and for your families.’   (CLV6)

After the homily, the bishop asks the candidates if they are ready ‘to follow Christ in the spirit of the Gospel.’   (CLV17)

Then, in the Litany, the saints are called upon to pray for the candidates.

This is followed by the Prayer of Consecration calling on the Spirit of God:

‘Give them modesty with right judgment,

Kindness with true wisdom,

Gentleness with strength of character,

Freedom with the grace of chastity.

Give them the warmth of love,

To love you above all others.’

The words of the Prayer after Communion in the Mass for Consecration to a life of Virginity sum up their vocation: 

‘May their daily lives enrich the world and bear fruit in the church.’

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This article was originally published in  ‘Vocations & Ministry.  ©  Diocese of Parramatta.  2005, 2007. Reprinted with permission.