web site/vocations.ca
The Consecration of Virgins Religious Profession
The virgin is consecrated (dedicated) by God; passive; is open to and surrenders to God’s action The virgin consecrates (dedicates) herself to God; active; a binding of oneself to certain actions, a legal contract
The bishop receives the virgin in the name of Christ for the Church Vows are received by the superior or bishop in the name of the Church
Presupposes the promise (resolve) of perpetual virginity The vow of chastity is made
The virgin lives in the world in a lifestyle that does not endanger or hinder her fulfillment of her role and position in the Church By vows of obedience and poverty the religious binds herself to live in community
As the Church is bride of Christ (Eph. 5:23-33), the consecrated virgin is the visible sign of this brideship and becomes in a special way an open channel of blessings for the whole Church The religious becomes a special servant of the Church according to the purpose of her Order or Congregation
She is morally obliged to live in accord with the graces received at Consecration. She is to live in the state of one espoused to Christ, i.e., to make action in union with Christ the substance of her daily living She is morally obliged to fulfill the promises of her vows according to their interpretation by her Order or Congregation
MM3