Consecration to a Life of Virginity for Women Living in the World
Date posted on July 4, 2025
On Saturday, June 28th, 2025, a joyful and historic celebration took place at the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King in Hamilton. The Rite of Consecration to a Life of Virginity for Women Living in the World was celebrated with the Most Reverend Wayne Lobsinger, Auxiliary Bishop of Hamilton, serving as principal celebrant.
Two women, Jenny Benjamin and Manju Mathew, offered their lives in this ancient vocation, publicly consecrating their virginity to God and entering into a spousal relationship with Christ and His Church.
During his homily, Bishop Lobsinger noted the rarity and profound beauty of this vocation, saying:
“Our celebration today is not something that happens very often in our Diocese, or, for that matter, in many Diocese. In fact, in the Diocese of Hamilton it has only happened twice before. Once, seven and a half years ago and once 29 years ago. We are blessed that both the women who were consecrated at those ceremonies are here with us today.”
The Rite of Consecration was a moving witness to the Church’s ongoing call to holiness. As Bishop Lobsinger explained, the women were “consecrated by the offering of your virginity to form a new spousal relationship with Jesus and His Church. Your self-dedication is to lead to a great fervour in spreading the Kingdom of God and giving to the world the Spirit of Christ through this consecration God gives to you. Manju and Jenny, the dignity of being a bride of Christ binds you to the Son of God in a covenant to last forever.”
This sacred celebration was a powerful reminder of the vocations present within the life of the Church, and the deep commitment of those who choose to live their lives entirely for Christ and His mission.