Consecrated Virginity resources

(Also in print in Roman Pontifical)

By: Catholic Church; tradition attributes the original form to Saint Matthew the Apostle 

Published: The earliest form of the rite appears in documents like the Apostolic Constitutions (late 4th century) and is mentioned by Church Fathers like St. Ambrose and St. Augustine

Description: While not technically a book, the deeply symbolic and liturgical rite through which a woman is set apart for a life of perpetual virginity lived in dedication to Christ and service to the Church is presented here. In the rite, the Church reveals its love of virginity, begs God’s grace on those who are consecrated, and prays with fervor for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit. It includes: a) the calling of the candidates, b) the homily, c) the examination by the Bishop of the candidates, d) the Litany of the Saints, e) the renewal of the intention of chastity, f) the Solemn Blessing or consecration, and g) the presentation of the spiritual insignia. 

Solemn Rite of the Consecration of Virgins

By: Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life

Published: 2018

Description: Latin for “The Image of the Church as Bride,” these are the norms of the vocation to consecrated virginity that were published in anticipation of the 50th anniversary of the restoration of the Order of Virgins in 2020. This Instruction establishes the normative principles and the guiding criteria which the Pastors of each diocese and particular Church assimilated to the diocese should apply in the pastoral care of the Ordo virginum. After outlining the biblical foundation and the typical elements of the vocation and witness of consecrated virgins (Part One), the Instruction deals with the specific configuration of the Ordo virginum within the particular Church and the universal Church (Part Two); finally it deals with the vocational discernment and itineraries for formation prior to consecration and the ongoing formation (Part Three).

Ecclesiae Sponsae Imago 

By: Prepared by the United States Association of Consecrated Virgins (USACV)

Published: Revised 2024

Description: Compilation of materials on Consecrated Virginity for Women Living in the World, including: the general definition; the Rite; guides for discernment; the historical background; and past and present works regarding the nature, sacredness, and the living out of this vocation in the Church.

Consecrated Virginity Information Packet

By: Thomas Dubay, S.M.

Published: 1987

Description: Father Thomas Dubay, a renowned authority on the religious life, explains the often misunderstood charism of virginity. He discusses what the call to virginity is and how it is integrated into the whole of consecrated life.

And You are Christ’s: The Charism of Virginity and the Celibate Life

By: Sister Mary Jane Klimisch, O.S.B.

Published: 1965

Description: Explores consecrated virginity within the Catholic Church in its theological, ecclesiological, and eschatological dimensions. Themes include the Church's identity as the Virgin-Bride-Mother, the role of the baptized faithful in this identity, the relationship between priesthood and consecrated virginity, and the distinctions between religious life and consecrated virginity for nuns. "The One Bride" offers readers an insightful examination of the vocation of consecrated virginity, providing a comprehensive understanding of its significance within the broader context of the Church's mission and identity.

The One Bride

By: Lüdwig Munster

Published: 1957

Description: An exploration of the spiritual and mystical dimensions of women who dedicate their lives to Christ through the rite of consecration.​ The consecrated virgin is presented as both sponsa (bride) and ecclesia (church) in relation to her intimate union with Christ. The book also traces the historical development of consecrated virginity, offering insights into its enduring significance in Christian spirituality.

Christ in His Consecrated Virgins: The Marriage of the Lamb

Espoused to Christ: A Theology of Consecrated Virginity

By: Mother Mary Francis, P.C.C.

Published: 2011

Description: This contemplative work delves into the concept of "brideship" within the context of the consecrated life. Mother Mary Francis addresses the misconceptions surrounding this term, which has often been misunderstood due to overly sentimental interpretations. She emphasizes that, as described by Pope St. John Paul II in Vita Consecrata, vowed women religious represent "a special eschatological image of the Heavenly Bride and of the life to come." She goes into depth about the four elements of brideship as presence, focus, service, and surrender.

My Beloved is Mine and I am His

By: Raneiro Cantalamessa, O.F.M. Cap.

Published: 1995

Description: The Preacher to the Papal Household from 1980-2024 discusses the joyful meaning of virginity and celibacy within Christianity. He uses Scripture to highlight the foundations of celibacy. The second part of the book goes into how to live virginity and celibacy for the sake of the Kingdom.

Virginity: A Positive Approach to Celibacy for the Sake of the Kingdom of Heaven

By: Compiled and published by the United States Association of Consecrated Virgins (USACV)

Published: 2012 & 2017

Description: Volume I: A valuable resource for those discerning a call to consecrated virginity as well as for Bishops, pastors, diocesan personnel overseeing consecrated life, spiritual directors and others who guide those discerning the vocation. Volume II: is addressed, in the first place, to bishops and those assisting them. It provides an integrated approach to discernment and formation for a woman seeking admission to the Order of Virgins in the Catholic Church.

Complete Set of Ordo Virginum: Volume I & Volume II

By: Pope Saint John Paul II

Published: 1996

Description: Latin for “The Consecrated Life,” this is an apostolic exhortation written by Pope St. John Paul II and released on March 25, 1996, following the 1994 Synod of Bishops on consecrated life. This document offers a deep and inspiring reflection on the meaning, beauty, and mission of the consecrated life in the Church. It speaks to men and women who have dedicated their lives through vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, embracing a radical imitation of Christ. The key themes are consecrated life’s Trinitarian foundation, eschatological witness, prophetic role, diversity of charisms, and communion and mission. Vita Consecrata reaffirms the vital role of consecrated persons in the Church and the world, encouraging them to renew their commitment with joy and courage. It is a deeply spiritual and motivational text for anyone discerning or living a vocation to religious life.

Vita Consecrata

By: Dietrich von Hildebrand

Published: 1927

Description: The prominent Catholic philosopher and theologian Dietrich von Hildebrand wrote this profound meditation on the essence and significance of purity within the Catholic tradition. Moving beyond a basic discussion of sexual ethics or practical guidelines, von Hildebrand explores purity as a positive and beautiful reality. Considered groundbreaking nearly 100 years ago, it has enriched Christianity’s teaching on love and sexuality.  

In Defense of Purity

By: Timothy Gallagher, O.M.V.

Published: 2009

Description: This book provides guidance on how to approach making important decisions about vocations, careers, and other life-changing choices through the spiritual exercises of Saint Ignatius of Loyola. Well known for his practical and gentle technique, Father Gallagher offers step-by-step advice on how to discern well with the Lord - even in the midst of uncertainty.

Discerning the Will of God: An Ignatian Guide to Christian Decision Making