Consecrated Life for Women

What is Consecrated Virginity 

Consecrated Virginity is a permanent vocation for women who are both called to celibacy for the Kingdom and called to a specific place, rather than a religious order and charism. “In the Rite, those to be consecrated express the sanctum propositum (the holy resolution). This is the firm and definitive resolve to persevere for their whole life in perfect chastity, and in the service of God and the Church, following Christ in accordance with the Gospel, to give the world a living witness  of love and to be a clear sign of the future Kingdom.” (Ecclesiae Sponsae Imago, 19) “They remain inserted in that part of the people of God in which they already live and in the heart of which their vocational discernment and the preparation for their consecration is carried out.”  (Ecclesiae Sponsae Imago, 42) 


The Life of a Consecrated Virgin 

Consecrated Virgins, in being called to a specific diocese, may live “alone, with their family, together with other consecrated women, or in other situations that facilitate the expression of their vocation and the fulfillment of their plan of life. They support themselves from the proceeds of their own work and their personal resources.” (Ecclesiae  Sponsae Imago, 37) 


Preparation for Consecrated Virginity 

Women must be over the age of eighteen to begin the discernment process with their Bishop, and women must be at least twenty five to be eligible for consecration. Preparation for Consecrated Virginity includes several years of directed discernment and theological study with a spiritual director and the candidate’s Bishop. For more  information on the process of discernment in the Diocese of Houma Thibodaux, contact the Chancery or the Office of Vocations.