The Rite

The Rite

Decree, Praenotanda and Rite of Consecration

The rite for the consecration of virgins belongs to the treasures of Roman liturgy. Jesus Christ left holy virginity as a legacy to His bride, one of his most precious gifts. Because of it, since the times of the Apostles, virgins consecrated their chastity to God, embellishing the mystical body of Christ and enriching it with admirable fecundity. Provident Mother Church, since the earliest times – as witnessed by the holy Fathers – used to confirm the pious and difficult vows of the virgins with a solemn prayer. As the centuries went on, other sacred ceremonies were added to this prayer that clearly show that the virgins were an image of the Church wedded to Christ and was thus introduced into the Roman Pontifical.

Click here to download the full Decree | Praenotanda | Rite of Consecration