Preparation for and Celebration of the
5oth Anniversary of the Promulgation of the
Rite of Consecration to a Life of Virginity
For Private Use Only
Welcome to the Diocese of La Crosse web site for the 50th Anniversary of the Promulgation of the Rite of Consecration to a Life of Virginity for Women Living in the World.
With this special web site, our Diocese is offering the consecrated virgins, those discerning the gift, spiritual directors or those wanting to know more about the vocation, a year of preparation for the celebration of the restoration of this “gift in the Church and for the Church” 1988 25th March Homily Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger
With God’s grace may this be a time to rekindle the first flame of love given to you ~ the gift of virginity ~ which you freely returned to Him for consecration.
“It was the Second Vatican Council which decided that the rite of the Consecration of Virgins found in the Roman Pontifical should be revised (cf. Const. Sacrosanctum Concilium, n. 80). It was not only a question of beginning a careful revision of the liturgical formulas and ritual gestures, but of restoring a rite “which for many centuries had fallen into disuse with regard to women who did not belong to institutes of consecrated life. Along with the rite there was also a restoration of the “Ordo virginum”, which was to find its juridical expression, as distinct from that of institutes, in Can. §599 of the new Code of Canon Law. A renewed rite, then, and an “Ordo” restored to the Church community: the Lord’s twofold gift to his Church. You rejoice over this gift, you thank the Lord for it and on this occasion you wish to draw from it motivation and inspiration for renewing your fervor and commitment.”
Saint Pope Joh Paul II, June 2, 1995, 25th Anniversary International Conference Consecrated Virgins
The materials may be familiar old, interesting new, simple but deep in spiritual meaning. Throughout the year material for pondering, meditation, prayer, and reflection will be added.