In the
Catholic Church, a
consecrated virgin is a woman who has been
consecrated by the church to a life of perpetual
virginity as a
bride of Christ. Consecrated virgins are consecrated by the
diocesan bishop according to the approved liturgical rite. The consecrated virgins are to spend their time in works of penance and mercy, in apostolic activity and in prayer, according to their state of life and
spiritual gifts.