by Therese Ivers, JCL
The Virgin Mary said what was in her heart so beautifully in the Magnificat. My heart has echoed her canticle frequently, and it was what came to mind recently when my bishop set the date for my consecration as a virgin living in the world to be August 15. I was so happy to be called to be the bride of Christ and to have the consecration on the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin. While preparing for the consecration, I discovered to my joy that the Gospel had the Magnificat.
On August 15, 2009, I received the solemn consecration of virgins living in the world through the ministry of Bishop Swain. After giving a moving homily and saying the prayer of consecration which made me the Lord’s own, Bishop Swain presented me with the veil, the ring, and the Liturgy of the Hours. The ring was engraved “I to my Beloved and my Beloved to me”.
My mother attended the consecration, as well as representatives of several vocations. Several priests, including our vocation director, a permanent deacon, a transitional deacon, religious sisters, seven consecrated virgins from around the USA, members of a secular institute, and lay men and women were present.
Truly, it was a day of great joy and I am humbled to have been called to be the bride of Jesus Christ. I ask the prayers of our readers, and assure of my own.
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