'Beautiful and Profound' Book Unlocks the Mystery of Consecrated Virginity

Espoused to Christ by Erin Kinsella. Sophia Institute Press (Manchester, NH, 2025). 224 pp., paperback. $18.95. 

In Espoused to Christ, Erin Kinsella — a consecrated virgin of the Archdiocese of Ottawa and a cohost of In the Thicket, a podcast on suffering and hope — reveals the mystery of this multifaceted vocation. Kinsella holds a master of theological studies from St. Augustine’s Seminary conjointly with the University of Toronto, and is a frequent speaker and writer on topics including consecrated virginity.

Bishop William McGrattan, Diocese of Calgary, said, “Though Erin has called this a theology of consecrated virginity, this work is more than a theological treatment of this topic. It also contains her personal sharing of aspects of the lived reality of this vocation espoused to Christ. This book delves deep into many, perhaps even most, aspects of the life of the consecrated virgin, making it a good resource for understanding what constitutes this vocation and the importance of its presence in the Church. It will be useful for those discerning the call to consecrated virginity and for those within the local Church who are responsible for accompanying them in their formation.”

Since the Second Vatican Council called for the renewal of this vocation, explained Kinsella, increasing numbers of women have sought to discover whether the Lord is calling them to become His mystical bride, and the number of consecrated virgins continues to increase worldwide. 

This, in part, helped inspire Kinsella to share the contents of this book which she originally presented as a retreat. Although there are some formational resources available on consecrated virginity, this book provides a wealth of information and answers for discerners and dioceses.

In these illuminating pages, Kinsella explains the spirituality of consecrated virgins, who are called to a life of prayer, especially for their diocesan Church. Central to this vocation is daily Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, and the Liturgy of the Hours. Consecrated virgins intercede for their Bishop, proiests, unity in the Church, married couples, the sick, suffering, and all who have forgotten God. 

A consecrated virgin is called to be a Spouse, Virgin, and Mother, in imitation of our Lady, notes Kinsella. She resolves to remain perpetually a virgin with an undivided heart for Jesus and offers herself as a spiritual mother of souls.

Among the many aspects of the vocation that Kinsella explains are what makes consecrated virginity lived in the world unique in the living out of the consecrated life. While a religious professes vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience within a community, a consecrated virgin is called to remain in the world. In imitation of the early virgin saints, she does not wear a habit. She wears a wedding ring and is responsible for her own material needs. She may work in the Church or in any secular profession. 

Podcaster Fr. Mark Goring, CC, Pastor, St. Mary’s Parish in Ottawa described the book as “Beautiful and profound!”

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.