The ancient vocation of consecrated virginity is experiencing a resurgence in the modern Catholic Church. Known for its rich spiritual symbolism, the vocation has seen a steady increase in women dedicating their lives to Christ as “brides” since the reintroduction of the rite after Vatican II, with more structure added in 2018. Today, over 4,000 women globally have embraced consecrated virginity, including 307 in the United States, as reported by Judith Stegman, president of the U.S. Association of Consecrated Virgins (USACV).
Rooted in the early Church, this vocation allows women to live a life of celibacy, prayer, and service within their dioceses, while also symbolizing the Church’s mystical union with Christ. Jenna Marie Cooper, a consecrated virgin and canon lawyer, describes the vocation as a “mystical betrothal to Christ.” She notes that the vocation has drawn increasing interest, with more dioceses offering formation programs and an encouraging increase in consecrations over recent years.
The rite itself, reserved exclusively for women, includes a commitment to celibacy and a dedicated prayer life. Unlike religious sisters, consecrated virgins do not belong to a specific order and typically live independently, supporting themselves through secular work. Their unique presence within the diocese serves as a prayerful symbol of devotion to both their community and the universal Church.
Stegman underscores the theological significance of the rite, explaining that a consecrated virgin serves as a visible reminder of the Church’s identity as the Bride of Christ, while Cooper emphasizes the maternal quality of their prayerful dedication to their diocesan community. The vocation, which mirrors the exclusive role of priesthood for men, allows these women to bring their own “yes” to Christ, much as the Virgin Mary did.
The history of consecrated virginity dates back to the early Church, mentioned by St. Ignatius of Antioch around 110 A.D. Saints such as Agnes, Lucy, and Cecilia are considered among the early consecrated virgins, though the rite’s formal structure has evolved over time. While the practice saw a decline during the Middle Ages as monasticism grew, the Second Vatican Council recognized the ancient vocation, leading to its restoration.
Today, consecrated virgins actively pray for their diocese, including local priests and laity, and engage with their community in diverse ways. In a rapidly growing vocation, Cooper expresses hope that dioceses will continue to support formation programs, ensuring that consecrated virgins are integrated thoughtfully and meaningfully within their local Church communities.
As more women embrace this distinctive path, the ancient vocation of consecrated virginity serves as a testament to faith’s resilience, offering a renewed glimpse into the Church’s spiritual heritage and a unique gift to the faithful.