Consecrated Virgins and Hermits

In this article the author considers from a canonical perspective two types of persons who live consecrated life as individuals—hermits and consecrated virgins. Canon 603 pertains to the “eremitic or anchoritic life,” pursuant to which the canonical hermit professes in the hands of the diocesan bishop the evangelical counsels and lives according to an approved plan of life. Canon 604 describes the consecrated virgin as on who perseveres in a state of perpetual virginity although she does not publicly profess the evangelical counsels. A woman whom God calls to live as a consecrated virgin aspires also to performing works of penance and mercy, while she focuses on a life of prayer. The author concludes his discussion of hermits and consecrated virgins with case studies that provide a practical application of these canonical principles.