LONDON — Consecrated virgins say they are “disappointed” by the Vatican’s new guidance that literal virginity is not necessary.
A document released this month says a woman does not need to have “kept her body in perfect continence” to become a consecrated virgin.
The Vatican document says the “call to give witness to the Church’s virginal, spousal and fruitful love for Christ is not reducible to the symbol of physical integrity.”.
Women who wish to be consecrated as virgins take part in a ceremony in which they dress in white and pledge themselves to Christ.
The U.S. Association of Consecrated Virgins issued a statement calling the document “deeply disappointing” and said the advice was “shocking.”.
The Vatican document says women can leave the vocation for “very serious reasons” if they apply in writing to the relevant bishop.
Women who choose to become consecrated virgins live secular lives in the community and must be self-supporting. »
