Marrying Christ

There are about 4,000 Catholic women in the world who have become consecrated virgins. As such, they have given themselves as brides to God. This is a relatively new phenomenon in the Catholic Church.

During the consecration ceremony, the candidate - who wears a bride-like, white dress- makes life-long chastity vows and promises never to engage in sexual or romantic relationships. They also wear a wedding ring. Although married to Christ, they lead a normal secular life. The women have a range of day jobs - from nurses and psychologists to accountants, business women and fire fighters.