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." (VC 7 ¶ 1) Open to women, this form of secular life is lived individually and is entered into by the Rite of Consecration to a Life of Virginity for a Woman Living in the World. By the Rite of Consecration, the diocesan Bishop consecrates the virgin as a sacred person in the Church. More information may be found at www.consecratedvirgins.org.