Catholic Dictionary

Find accurate definitions of over 5,000 Catholic terms and phrases (including abbreviations). Based on Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

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CONSECRATION OF VIRGINS

A solemn rite by which a woman is constituted a sacred person, dedicating her virginity to Christ and his Church. The women on whom the consecration of virgins can be bestowed are both religious women and women living in the world who have never entered into marriage and have not publicly or openly lived in a state contrary to chastity. The one who administers the rite is the local ordinary or his delegate. There is a life-long commitment in the consecration. Moreover, according to the norms of the Holy See, "Christian virgins, each according to her state and her charisms, must spend their time in works of penance and mercy, in apostolic activity and holy prayer."