Ecclesiae Sponsae Imago. Instruction on the Ordo Virginum

This Instruction establishes the normative principles and the guiding criteria which the Pastors of each diocese and particular Church assimilated to the diocese should apply in the pastoral care of the Ordo virginum. After outlining the biblical foundation and the typical elements of the vocation and witness of consecrated virgins (Part One), the Instruction deals with the specific configuration of the Ordo virginum within the particular Church and the universal Church (Part Two); finally it deals with the vocational discernment and itineraries for formation prior to consecration and the ongoing formation (Part Three).