This picture was taken right after the Consecration rites, when I returned to my place in the sanctuary before the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
Ping!
The problem with this is that it elevates lifelong virginity over service to God in all spheres of life, including your sexuality.
That is one of my issues with Catholicism.....compartmentalism of spirituality and the rest of life.
We are to do all things for God’s glory, even scrub the toilets....yes, even sex is for God’s glory within the context of marriage.
Being married for nearly about a year-and-a-half now, I have only recently began to truly understand the wonder of marriage and everything in it, including sex. It is a wonderful thing that points to the glorious unity of Christ and his body, the holy catholic church.
I do NOT diminish the lives of those who chose to dedicate themselves to God by being nuns, virgins etc. I respect that greatly, and this young woman clearly loves the Lord.
But, I think the concept of separating yourself from the “normal” things of life is just not correct. Christ did not avoid life. He lived a perfect life with all the temptations we face and because of his victory, now we are considered acceptable in the sight of a holy God.
Again, I admire this young woman to dedicate herself completely to God. May He guide her and help her to serve him mightily.
I knew two consecrated virgins in the Diocese of Plymouth (UK).
Great people.
To quote Les Miserables...
“A beautiful nun is a terrible tragedy”
Oh dear. I suppose I’ll never understand the Latin Church, especially in its American form. I am, no doubt, the only one who sees this as prideful, as a method of calling attention to herself. I say this as this consecration is broadcast on an internet blog! She should be in a monastery.