You are going to have to see the doctor first,
because the order of widows won't touch you
and we're pretty sure you're a used woman.
Would that Dr. Peters and Fr. Z had any say in it.
Distinguished canonist Ed Peters has taken a look at the new document from the Holy See about consecrated virginity. I’ve only briefly perused it and not yet commented. However, in a nutshell he states a problem with it that I noticed. It’s sort of a big one.
Ecclesiae Sponsae Imago punts on one problem, fixes a second, but greatly worsens a third
With papal approval the Roman dicastery in charge of consecrated life has just published an important document on consecrated virginity, Ecclesiae Sponsae Imago. Now, according to the plain terms of ESI, the Blessed Virgin Mary, archetype of virginity consecrated to God, would not be eligible for admission to the order of virgins, but Mary Magdalene, model for women who, Deo gratias, set aside a promiscuous life, would be eligible.
Something, I suggest, is seriously wrong with such norms.- Fr. Z
I dunno. Women in pants and all. How can they be admitted?
So anyway, a wonderful Servant of God, Archbishop Luis M. Martinez understood the mercy of God very well when he taught, "The Blood of Jesus makes fallen souls virginal." This is what the teachers of the law seem not to understand. Although it's Canon Peters job to make these distinctions, but he's just one canonist with an opinion.
That said, some Third Orders permit private vows and recognize secular consecrated life. Likewise, there is nothing to stop a person from consecrating their virginity - lost or regained in the sacrament of penance - privately and without any worldly recognition, wedding ceremony, or ecclesial title. Saints have done this for centuries.
