Espoused to Christ: A Theology of Consecrated Virginity

by Erin Kinsella

Although consecrated virginity lived in the world is the oldest form of consecrated life in the Church, it is also one of its most hidden treasures. However, since the Second Vatican Council called for the renewal of this vocation, increasing numbers of women have sought to discover whether the Lord is calling them to become His mystical bride, and the number of consecrated virgins continues to increase worldwide.

Aside from some formation books and scattered sources, such as the Church Fathers’ writings, little information specific to consecrated virginity has been available for dioceses and discerners — until now. Specifically addressing consecrated virginity lived in the world, this book is an invaluable and timeless resource for gaining greater clarity on this beautiful, ancient vocation for women discerning and in formation, bishops, formators, and even the already consecrated. It covers topics

The nature of vocation and unique aspects of various vocations in the ChurchThe charisms of celibacy and virginity in the history of the Church and nowThe Holy See’s instruction on consecrated virginity in Ecclesiae Sponsae ImagoThe prophetic role in the Church of the vocation of consecrated virginity lived in the worldThe Marian nature of this vocation and the call to live in imitation of Our LadyThe essence of brideship and spousal love, and the gift of spiritual maternityEspoused to Christ provides both a theological framework for understanding this vocation and real-life applications that illustrate how to live it, with helpful Scripture passages and reflection questions at the end of each chapter.

This gem of a book reveals that while the vocation of consecrated virginity is ancient, it is also ever new and that these brides of Christ in the world are helping to renew the Church by the lived witness of their love for Christ.

Genres: Catholic

240 pages, Paperback

Published May 20, 2025

About the author

Erin Kinsella is a romance and historical fantasy author dedicated to sharing stories of love, heartbreak, and triumph. You can also find her on YouTube, where she educates writers about the publishing industry, world building, and how to make your readers swoon. She attended the University of Alberta where she studied psychology and history. When she’s not writing or YouTubing she’s hanging out with her husband and three cats.

Reviews

[Andrea Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Erin does a fantastic job of explaining the history, theology and spirituality of consecrated virginity and provides reflection questions to help women reading this book to pray about how this topic is impacting their discernment. It is a helpful starting point to learn about consecrated virginity for anyone, but most especially for women discerning a call to consecrated virginity.

[Tara Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great resource for women discerning a vocation and for those in formation for consecrated virginity. As a consecrated virgin myself, I am impressed with Erin’s clarity and articulation of different aspects of this vocation. And as a huge fan of Saint John Paul II, I appreciate how often she draws on his wisdom and insights—his writings were essential in my own vocational discernment!

[Erin Kinsella · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS IS MY BOOK AND I LOVE IT! But I’m probably biased.