Welcome!
"Let us always meet each other with a smile, for a smile is the beginning of love" - Mother Teresa
"Let us always meet each other with a smile, for a smile is the beginning of love" - Mother Teresa
“Jesus has proposed to me…and I said yes!”
I have been called to the unique vocation of consecrated virginity lived in the world. One of the oldest forms of consecrated life in the Catholic Church that exists for women, consecrated virginity is a sacred vocation where a woman offers the gift of her physical virginity to Christ, as a sign of the dedication of her entire being to Him. She lives as a "bride of Christ" and an image of the Church. Unlike women in religious orders (nuns or sisters), consecrated virgins do not join a specific order, live in a convent, wear a habit or veil, or take the traditional vows of poverty and obedience. Instead, the distinct characteristics of this vocation include:
Life in the World: Consecrated virgins live and work in the secular world, supporting themselves financially. They do not wear a religious habit, use the title "Sister," or alter their names.
Spousal Focus: The vocation represents a mystical betrothal to Jesus Christ. The primary outward symbol of this covenant is a wedding band they receive on the day of their consecration.
Diocesan Connection: Consecrated virgins answer directly to the local diocesan bishop and focus their prayers and penance on his intentions and the needs of the local Church.
Prayer and Service: Consecrated virgins maintain a deep focus on private prayer, daily Mass, Liturgy of the Hours, and works of mercy, living out spiritual motherhood in their communities
Holy Hour and Welcome Party
Friday, Oct 30th - 4pm-8pm || St. John Paul II Newman Center (700 S Morgan St, Chicago)
Free parking is available in a small parking lot on the southside of the building or on the lawn. The CTA UIC/Halsted blue line stop is also a short walk away.
Pizza, salad, and beverages will be provided before/after the Holy Hour.
Rite of Consecration of a Virgin Living in the World
Saturday, Oct 31st - 11am || Holy Name Cathedral (730 N Wabash Ave, Chicago)
Free parking is available on a first come, first served basis inside the One Chicago Square parking garage (located across the street from the Cathedral at 14 W. Superior St between Dearborn and State St). Once the parking garage is full, there is paid street parking available around the side streets via the Park Chicago app, or you can check Spothero for other nearby parking garages. The CTA Chicago/State red line stop is also right next to the Cathedral.
“Sunday best” attire — please keep modesty in mind.
Post-Mass Reception
Saturday, Oct 31st - after Mass || Holy Name Cathedral Courtyard (northside of Cathedral)
Open to everyone right after the Mass, and light refreshments will be provided. Come and say hello to the new consecrated virgins, Becca and Emily! :)
Flights
O’Hare International Airport (10000 W O'Hare Ave, Chicago, 60666)
Midway International Airport (5700 S Cicero Ave, Chicago, 60638)
Lodging
Hyatt Place Chicago/Wicker Park (1551 W North Ave, Chicago)
Holiday Inn Express Chicago (640 N Wabash Ave, Chicago)
Hampton Inn Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile (160 E Huron St, Chicago)
Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown River North (600 N State St, Chicago)
Here are a few suggestions of fun things to see and do while you are visiting the best city in the USA :)
Lincoln Park Zoo - free admission
Art Institute of Chicago - see famous original art pieces from Monet, Picasso, van Gogh, Edward Hopper, Norman Rockwell, Andy Warhol, and more
Chicago Riverwalk
Second City - comedy club; many famous comedians used to perform here, such as Tina Fey, Steve Carell, Bill Murray, Stephen Colbert, Amy Poehler, Mike Myers, Martin Short, Eugene Levy, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and more