A 43 year old woman has recently become what’s called a “consecrated virgin” in a rare and little known ceremony performed by the catholic church, where women can confirm their vows to maintain their virginity forever, and instead give themselves over to God.

This woman has forsaken all “earthly desires” such as male female attraction, and instead is saying that, like a nun would, she will instead serve God.  The ceremony is one similar to a wedding, in that the virgin wears a white gown and veil, much like a bride would. 

Not only are there other “consecrated virgins” in this world, but there is also an Association of Consecrated Virgins with just under 200 women in the US belonging, and just under about 2,000 belonging worldwide. 

The idea is that there lies a “mystical marriage” bond between the consecrated virgins and Jesus Christ, and they must be an actual virgin their whole lives in order to fulfill this duty.  The women who are consecrated virgins not only sport a veil and white dress during the ceremony, but they also wear a band on their wedding finger, much like those who are actually married to an earthly being.

This latest woman, named Lori Rose Cannizzaro, knew about ten years ago that the dating scene just wasn’t working for her, and that she felt a duty to serve God, although she never shunned the idea of having children. 

She never lived in a convent either though, and prefers to continue to live on her own.  I guess this is the difference between a nun and consecrated virgin.