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I have heard conflicting information on whether
a person can take the Consecrated Virgin (CV)
vows as a preparation to entering religious
life. Some say one can; and others say you
can't but can take the CV vows at the time
of their profession. I wanted to know
what the Holy See's position is regarding
this issue.
Do they say, yes, one can take the CV
vows before they enter religious life if
they want to do as a preparation before
entering religious life?
or
Do they say, no, one has to wait until
they make their CV vows at their profession?
I am thinking of pursing a CV vocation as
a preparation before entering the religious
life and want to make sure that the Holy See
says that this is OK before doing this.
If possible can you show me a Vatican document
that contains this information.
Thank You and God Bless!
Karen
{
When
can someone contemplating entering religious
life take their consecrated virgin vows? }
Mary Ann replied:
Karen —
A Consecrated Virgin is a distinct
canonical state within the Church.
It is a state of life taken with
the permission of the bishop, who
receives the vow.
It is distinct from religious life,
which is vowed virginity lived in
common according to the rule of an
order.
One does not become a Consecrated
Virgin in preparation for religious
life. One may, however, make a private
vow of virginity, under the guidance
of a spiritual director, as a form
of preparation for religious life.
Mary Ann
Therese Ivers, a visitor to the site commented:
Hi, Mike —
Mary Ann's answer is a little off.
No vows are taken in this vocation. The bishop does not "receive the vow". He consecrates and an ontological change is made on the virgin, so that she becomes the bride of Christ. Again, no vows are taken (unless you are also a nun, secular institute member or hermit, in which case, the vows will be incorporated into the ceremony).
Think of it this way. A man does not make a vow and that makes him a priest. A woman does not make a vow and that vow makes her a consecrated virgin. A man receives the sacrament of ordination. A female virgin receives the sacramental of consecration.
Thank you.
Therese Ivers, JCL (JCD-abd), OCV (Order of Virgins)
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