Catholic Dictionary

Find accurate definitions of over 5,000 Catholic terms and phrases (including abbreviations). Based on Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

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VIRGINS, CONSECRATION OF

Solemn dedication of a woman to lifetime virginity. The practice goes back to apostolic times, with a formal rite for the consecration dating from about the year 500. In 1970, Pope Paul VI revised the ritual by which women consecrate their virginity "to Christs and their brethren" without becoming members of a religious institute.