How is the vocation of consecrated virginity related to other vocations?

How is the vocation of consecrated virginity
related to other vocations?

His Holiness John Paul II discussed the nature and mission of the various forms of Consecrated Life in the Church in his apostolic letter Vita consacrata. About the Order of Virgins, he wrote:

It is a source of joy and hope to witness in our time a new flowering of the ancient Order of Virgins, known in Christian communities ever since apostolic times. Consecrated by the diocesan Bishop, these women acquire a particular link with the church, which they are committed to serve while remaining in the world. Either alone or in association with others, they constitute a special eschatological image of the Heavenly Bride and of the life to come, when the Church will at last fully live her love for Christ the Bridegroom. (Vita Consecrata, #7)

Rooted and grounded in the baptismal call to holiness, the Christian discerns a particular state of life vocation with its inherent mission: the lay – activity in the world; the clergy – ministry; or those living a form of consecrated life – special conformity to Christ, chaste, poor and obedient. (Vocation Tree Guidebook, pg 6) A visual display can be helpful here (click here).