Lauretta Dearing: Consecrated to the Order of Consecrated Virgins Living in the World

11/30/2025

On Friday, November 21, at St. Mary’s Cathedral, the Diocese of Calgary celebrated a beautiful and historic liturgy: the consecration of Lauretta Dearing to the Order of Consecrated Virgins Living in the World (Ordo Virginum). Lauretta is the first woman in our diocese to be received into this ancient vocation, which dates back to the early Church and is lived today in the world through prayer, service, and a deep spousal commitment to Christ.

Bishop William T. McGrattan presided at the Mass and preached on the meaning of this vocation for Lauretta and for the whole Church. He reminded the faithful: “God has called her to be more closely united to himself and to be dedicated to the service of the Church and of mankind.” He invited the congregation to consider the spiritual fruit of this consecration, saying: “Think of the good she will accomplish by her prayers and good works, and the abundant blessings she will obtain from God for holy Church, for the human society, and for your families.”

Turning to Lauretta, he offered words of encouragement drawn from the rite itself: “The life you seek to follow has its home in heaven. God himself is its source.” He affirmed the gift she receives on this day: “He gives you the dignity of being a bride of Christ and binds you to the Son of God in a covenant to last forever.”

Through the solemn Prayer of Consecration and the presentation of the veil, ring, and Liturgy of the Hours, Lauretta began her life as a consecrated virgin in the Diocese of Calgary.

We give thanks to God for her generous and joyful “yes.”