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Consecrated Virginity


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OnlySunshine

Shana is discerning this vocation but hasn't posted in quite a while.

Edited by MaterMisericordiae
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FutureSister2009

I have a question: is it possible to be a Consecrated Virgin and belong to a secular institute or Third Order?

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OnlySunshine

I have a question: is it possible to be a Consecrated Virgin and belong to a secular institute or Third Order?

 


I am sure that membership in a Third Order is allowed.  I'd like to belong to either the Franciscans or Augustinians (most likely, the Franciscans).

In a 1971 response from the Sacred Congregation for Divine Worship, it was affirmed that
women in secular institutes might use the Rite. The reply does not discuss the potential
incongruity between the public nature of the consecration of virgins and the leaven imagery typical of
secular institutes. There is the similarity of consecrated persons living in the midst of the world
and there is diversity of practice among secular institutes regarding the practice of discretion.
Nevertheless, this appears to be a question which merits further reflection.
 
In a word, this is a distinct vocation. Women throughout the world experience and respond
to this specific call with its various elements: a witness to the Church as spouse of Christ, a life
of consecrated virginity, a life of prayer and service in the Church, lived with neither the support
and the obligations of a religious community, nor the regular contacts which flow from
belonging to a secular institute. These must be strong and dedicated women, mature in their singleness
of purpose.
 

 

http://consecratedvirgins.org/usacv/sites/default/files/documents/VocRes/holland.pdf

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I did discern this wonderful Vocation for many years. From 19 to about 23/24 ish. I kept having this calling for marriage but hopefully I will find the man god wants me to be with.

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FutureSister2009

After really studying what a Consecrated Virgin is, I've become more open to the possibility. Then I thought about how interesting it would be if a guy asked me out and then I had to explain to him that I was a Consecrated Virgin. I don't know how I would explain that.

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Guest Allie

After really studying what a Consecrated Virgin is, I've become more open to the possibility. Then I thought about how interesting it would be if a guy asked me out and then I had to explain to him that I was a Consecrated Virgin. I don't know how I would explain that.

 


You are too funny. :saint2:

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After really studying what a Consecrated Virgin is, I've become more open to the possibility. Then I thought about how interesting it would be if a guy asked me out and then I had to explain to him that I was a Consecrated Virgin. I don't know how I would explain that.


The vocation is to be lived in such a way that people know who you are. That's why they wear wedding rings.
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FutureSister2009

The vocation is to be lived in such a way that people know who you are. That's why they wear wedding rings.

 

That is true, the wedding ring should be a big giveaway.

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OnlySunshine

Hopefully, after Easter is over, I will be able to meet with my pastor and get some spiritual guidance from him as to what I should do.  I don't know if I should wait to present my petition to the Bishop or if I should do it now since I've been discerning Consecrated Life for over 5 years.  I'm thinking I should wait but I want his opinion.  My mom wondered why I wanted to get my pastor involved but he is necessary since I'll be a C.V. in his parish.  Plus, he knows the most about my discernment so far.  :)

Edited by MaterMisericordiae
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abrideofChrist

That is true, the wedding ring should be a big giveaway.

 


Definitely.  Some people I've known have noticed my ring and asked if I got married.  Most of the time I just tell them that I'm "like a Catholic nun" and don't go into the whole consecrated virginity part, particularly if they are not Catholic themselves.  If they are Catholic, I use my judgement to determine whether to go more in depth about my vocation. 

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abrideofChrist

Hopefully, after Easter is over, I will be able to meet with my pastor and get some spiritual guidance from him as to what I should do.  I don't know if I should wait to present my petition to the Bishop or if I should do it now since I've been discerning Consecrated Life for over 5 years.  I'm thinking I should wait but I want his opinion.  My mom wondered why I wanted to get my pastor involved but he is necessary since I'll be a C.V. in his parish.  Plus, he knows the most about my discernment so far.  :)

 

Some virgins have found it helpful to have allies in their pastors.  I, for example, discussed my hopes to have the Bl. Sacrament reserved at home once consecrated with the priests in my area, who agreed to help if I needed them to say Mass, etc.  Pastors can also help cut through diocesan red tape.  On the flip side, if they do not appreciate the vocation, they can do damage as well in chancery if they choose to.
 

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OnlySunshine

Some virgins have found it helpful to have allies in their pastors.  I, for example, discussed my hopes to have the Bl. Sacrament reserved at home once consecrated with the priests in my area, who agreed to help if I needed them to say Mass, etc.  Pastors can also help cut through diocesan red tape.  On the flip side, if they do not appreciate the vocation, they can do damage as well in chancery if they choose to.
 

 


I feel blessed to have a pastor who cares a great deal for vocations.  He has already helped me in the past when I was discerning with the religious order in our parish -- even going so far as to pay for my psychological evaluation!  We have 2 seminarians at present (and 1 ordained priest who was from our parish) and he is always trying to promote vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life.  There is one young man who is, almost certainly, preparing himself for the seminary.  He's too young just yet, being 15 or 16, but my pastor has him be an altar server quite a bit.  I have no doubt that he'll help me with this.  The tricky part is getting a meeting since our associate pastor is leaving soon for another parish.  :(

Edited by MaterMisericordiae
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