What is consecrated life?
Priesthood, belonging to a secular institute or being a member of a religious community are the primary forms of consecrated life. Hermits who publicly profess or take vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience before their diocesan bishop and “consecrated virgins” are also included in consecrated life. (A diocesan bishop may consecrate a woman deemed suitable. She promises perpetual virginity in order to give herself to God and the Church. She attends daily Mass, prays the Divine Office, and spends significant time in private prayer.
