Espoused to Christ by Erin Kinsella. Sophia Institute Press (Manchester, NH, 2025). 224 pp., paperback. $18.95.
Consecrated virginity is the oldest form of consecrated life for women and is enjoying a rebirth and flourishing worldwide. In her watershed book Espoused to Christ, Erin Kinsella, a consecrated virgin of the Archdiocese of Ottawa, breaks open the mystery of this vocation for discerners, formators, and all seeking to understand this charism in the Church.
Although the United States Association of Consecrated Virgins offers some excellent informational and formational books, this book is a unique offering and much-awaited resource, that provides a compendium of answers on important topics surrounding this vocation.
Bishop Daniel Miehm, Diocese of Peterborough, wrote, “With a mixture of historical background, theological reflection, and insights from personal experience, this book explores consecrated virginity in ways that are profound and practical. A must-read for anyone discerning or living this vocation or wishing to understand it better.”
Early Christians referred to women who resolved to answer God’s call to consecrated virginity as Brides of Christ. Among various aspects of this vocation that Kinsella explores is its eschatological significance: A consecrated virgin reminds us of the union that will be ours at the wedding feast of Heaven.
Additionally, Kinsella elucidates the Holy See’s instruction on consecrated virginity in Ecclesiae Sponsae Imago and its application in daily life.
Dr. Josephine Lombardi, Assistant Dean and Associate Professor, St. Augustine’s Seminary, and author of On Earth as It Is in Heaven, shared that this book is “A deeply insightful exploration of consecrated virginity, this book illuminates its rich history, spiritual significance, and enduring relevance, especially for women discerning this very special vocation.”
Kinsella relates how the vocation of a consecrated virgin living in the world is fully a public vocation. In a world that has tragically forgotten God, a consecrated virgin is called to be a prophetic witness of Jesus’ Real Presence, His merciful love for each person, and the invitation that God gives each soul to seek His Kingdom. She shares a particular communion with her diocese and parish. She is a sign of the Church: the Bride of Christ.
Through examples from her own life, Kinsella illustrates that a consecrated virgin strengthens the Church not primarily by what she does, but by who she is. Through union with and adoration of her Divine Spouse, she brings the fruit of His love into any apostolate the Lord places on her heart, including evangelization, works of mercy, or parish work.
As Pope Benedict XVI said in an address “To the Order of Virgins” in 2008, “The Order of Virgins is a special expression of consecrated life that blossomed anew in the Church after the Second Vatican Council.” This book is a powerful testament to its flowering and a great gift to all those seeking to learn about this precious treasure of the Church.
Members of the media may send an email to Sophia Institute Press’ Director of Publicity, Sarah Lemieux at slemieux@SophiaInstitute.com to receive a physical or digital copy of Espoused to Christ and/or to schedule an interview with Erin Kinsella.
