Those who may be consecrated

"This consecration may be received by nuns or women living in the world."
- From the Praenotanda to the Rite of Consecration to a Life of Virginity in the Roman Pontifical

In the case of nuns, it is required:

A) That they have never married or lived in public or open violation of chastity

B) That they have made their perpetual profession, either in the same rite or on an earlier occasion

C) That their religious family uses this rite either by established custom or by new permission of the competent authority

In the case of women living in the world, it is required:

A)  That they have never celebrated marriage or lived publicly or manifestly in a state contrary to chastity

B) That by their age, prudence, and universally-approved character, they give assurance of perseverance in a life of chastity dedicated to the service of the Church and of their neighbor

C) That they be admitted to this consecration by the Bishop who is the Ordinary of the place

It is for the Bishop to decide on the conditions under which virgins living in the world are to undertake a life of perpetual virginity.

Requirements for Validity of Consecration

1) The candidate is a woman.

2) The candidate is a virgin.

3) The candidate has never celebrated marriage.

4) The candidate has not publicly or manifestly lived in a state contrary to chastity.

5) The candidate approaches consecration free of force, grave fear, or malice.

6) The candidate must not be currently be bound by a sacred bond to an institute of consecrated life or a society of apostolic life unless she has received an indult of departure that will take effect at the time of her consecration.

7) The candidate must be admitted to consecration by the bishop who has assessed that she gives assurance of perseverance in a life of chastity dedicated to the service of the Church and her neighbor.

Additional Requirements for Validity of Consecration

1) The consecration must be according to the approved liturgical rite.

2) The minister of consecration is the diocesan bishop or a bishop or presbyter legitimately delegated to celebrate the rite.

3) The minister of consecration must be free of force, grave fear, or malice.