Consecrated Virgin

Written by Sherry

Sunday, 24 May 2009 20:51

And Bobby Vidal, our man in LA, wrote me about this fascinating website for consecrated virgins which is beginning to take on the quality of a movement! there are more than 3000 formally consecrated virgins in 21 countries, including: Argentina - ~250 consecrated Belgium - 50+ consecrated Czech Republic - 20 consecrated Denmark - 2 consecrated France - 600+ consecrated Germany - ~100 consecrated Italy - ~200 consecrated Poland - ~20 consecrated Spain - 170+ consecrated Ireland - 30 consecrated US - 150 consecrated. Fascinating that there are so many CV's in France and so relatively few in places like Ireland and Poland. I know that when I think of the term "consecrated virgin" I automatically think of women and the United States Association for Consecrated Virgins is explicitly for women and yet I'm sure there are men who have a similar call to live as a celibate, consecrated layman in the world, Men who are part of a standard religious community or secular Institute. Is there an equivalent consecration for men? I met a man about to become a officially recognized hermit in Alaska recently - but these women are very much in the world. In any case, the CV's of the US are having a conference this summer. Check out their website. It is full of fascinating information and vocational discernment resources for women considering the possibility of such a call. And here is an interesting video piece on a consecrated virgin in the Boston area. As she puts it, "I was hit with a truck of the Holy Spirit". O'Malley has received the promises of several women in the area and I saw an interview where he said that becoming a hermit is the male equivalent. I have to admit that I'm not entirely comfortable with how the woman in the interview describes her relationship with Christ but i am envious of the fact that she can have the Blessed Sacrament in her home!