Could I be a consecrated virgin?

[Maximian]

I don’t base this on anything. Im repeating what the sisters of a convent told me. The whole of my post is a report of what I was told by nuns, not any opinion of my own.

 

[umamibella]

I don’t base this on anything. Im repeating what the sisters of a convent told me. The whole of my post is a report of what I was told by nuns, not any opinion of my own.

Ok, it might be the experience with them and to be appreciated, but should not be taken as the norm everywhere.

 

[Maximian]

Well I could easily believe it. The older one gets, the harder obedience becomes. And the life of a mother is particularly demanding and full of responsibility which must make it a real wrench.

 

[umamibella]

Well I could easily believe it. The older one gets, the harder obedience becomes. And theclife of a mother is particularly demanding and full of responsibility which must make it a real wrench.

It depends what and why and the reason. Sometimes its much easier promising obedience because of fidelity to God. Once the kids are grown and gone, life changes.
I could see separation from the kids really difficult in a cloistered situation.
As a Sister, living and working in the secular world, it might be much easier to take up a vocation and see the family as appropriate.

Depends on the person I think, there are cranky old ladies though

 

[Maximian]

Yes, indeed. However have you seen the life of a nun close up? The general disciplines of frugality and prayer are probably not so hard. But the details must be very trying (eg stop the catechism class and take charge of the kitchen)

 

[umamibella]

Catholic educated by Sisters ( nuns are cloistered ) pre and post Vat 11 changes. I have a couple of friends who are or were Sisters and some very close Monk friends.
The one ex Sister whose order broke up in Ireland is now in one of the new type of Public Associations of the Faithful where everyone lives as Monks in the world. She has the option of working towards taking public promises/ vows of poverty , chastity and obedience. She is struggling with that though because she doesnt want to give up things like tv etc.
There are others who are of similar age but had families , that have taken the vows/ promises without issue.

 

[sealabeag]

Sorry for resurrecting a new thread but I wanted to clear this up and you seem to be in the know - didn’t Pope Francis recently (and disappointingly) say that consecrated virgins didn’t need to be actual virgins?

 

[Irishmom2]

Thank you for your message and your detailed reply. I am in the process of RCIA so my knowledge is lacking in this area.

I am happy that you are pursuing RCIA. I think you need to put the brakes on and slow down. Become Catholic and live with that for a while before deciding what you want to do.

I do not understand your desire to be a consecrated virgin, especially at this point, when you have children, and are not yet Catholic. All single people are called to chastity, and because you state that you think it might be nice to have a husband, even if this path were open to you, it doesn’t sound like you truly are sold on it.

Just continue with RCIA and allow God to lead you where he wants you to be. Be at peace on your journey.

 

[Cloisters]

I think it came down to this: if the woman was at a party, and she wasn’t sure if she had relations while drunk, and she kept herself pure before and since then, she would be considered for the Order of Virgins.

They’re trying not to penalize her for the “haziness”. If I’m wrong, there are CVs out there who can clarify.

 

[littlesoul33]

It is incorrect that a non virgin can be a Consecrated Virgin. This has been clarified by the US association of consecrated virgins and I believe, Cardinal Burke and others.

In your case, if you are seeking consecrated chastity, you could still make a private vow of chastity (which both virgins and non virgins could make), enter a secular institute, or a third order… if your children are of age, I believe you could also be a nun or Sister, or hermit

 

[Anicette]

It is incorrect that a non virgin can be a Consecrated Virgin. This has been clarified by the US association of consecrated virgins and I believe, Cardinal Burke and others.

Traditionally yes. And I agree. It’s common sense, as words have a mean.

Yet, there was a lot of debates on the forum when Ecclesia Imago Sponsae come.
But according to this document, the absence of physical integrity and having live always live in continence is not something that make the consecratio impossible.
So, in other way, it is not a mandate to be a virgin anymore.

The US association have express their deception.
Maybe they have keep stricter rules…?

I think it came down to this: if the woman was at a party, and she wasn’t sure if she had relations while drunk, and she kept herself pure before and since then, she would be considered for the Order of Virgins.

I have understand that it is more than “not being sure that something had happened or not”

But unless someone of authority give us a definite answer, I think we will all stay with our own understanding…and opinions.

 

[Fauken]

third order

Depends on what you mean by Third Order. If you’re referring to lay Orders, then I don’t know of any that require a promise of chastity. I have done no such thing as a lay Dominican myself.