In the Boston Globe Sunday Magazine, Liz O’Donnell writes about consecrated virgins in the Catholic Church, betrothed to Jesus Christ:
Consecrated virgins have existed in the Catholic Church longer than nuns. The tradition died out around the ninth century but has made a comeback after the Second Vatican Council, or Vatican II, in the 1960s emphasized the idea that everyone is called to holiness. Women who join the Order of Virgins feel called to Christ, much like a priest or a nun does. And, as with priests and nuns, the Catholic Church recognizes consecrated virginity as a distinct vocation. Unlike nuns, however, consecrated virgins don’t take a vow of poverty. Instead, they live in their own homes and support themselves by working in jobs outside the church. Like [Kathy] Reda, they are women who are inspired to make a public commitment to Jesus. They dedicate much of their free time to prayer, including reciting the thrice-daily Liturgy of the Hours, and volunteer work.
Read the full article here, and watch a video below:
[via Articles of Faith]