Welcome!
My name is Erin Kinsella. I was consecrated to a life of virginity lived in the world on September 14th, 2019. My discernment story has lots of twists and turns, but one of the challenges that I faced…and that many women face…is finding helpful resources for discernment and formation that are specific to consecrated virginity.
This website is meant to be a tool that can point people toward useful resources for discerning consecrated virginity. Whether you’re a discerner, consecrated virgin, delegate, or someone else, please know that I’m praying for you!

Discover a new resource for understanding consecrated virginity

Order at Sophia Press

Order at Amazon Canada

Order at Amazon USA

Order at Indigo Canada
What are people saying about Espoused to Christ?
“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.”
– Bishop William McGrattan, Diocese of Calgary
“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.”
– Bishop Daniel Miehm, Diocese of Peterborough
“Beautiful and profound!”
– Fr. Mark Goring, CC, Pastor, St. Mary’s Parish Ottawa
“Espoused to Christ is a carefully researched and documented presentation of consecrated virginity. It is enriched with many personal insights from the author, who lives this vocation herself. I highly recommend this brilliant, informative, engaging book not only for women discerning this vocation but also for those simply interested in this little-known form of consecrated life.”
– Anna Hecold, Consecrated Virgin and Formator, Archdiocese of Toronto
“As someone with thirty years of experience in the formation and accompaniment of women discerning the vocation to consecrated virginity in the Archdiocese of Toronto, I deeply appreciate this book. Erin offers rich and varied resources in a way that is scholarly yet also very accessible. I would add this book to the list of required reading for those in formation and recommend it to all consecrated virgins for the ongoing deepening in and appropriation of their vocation.”
– Mary Bastedo, M.Div., Consecrated Virgin and Former Formator, Archdiocese of Toronto
“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.”
– Dr. Josephine Lombardi , Assistant Dean and Associate Professor,
St. Augustine’s Seminary; Author, On Earth as It Is in Heaven
“This book is truly remarkable. A profound and deeply spiritual masterpiece, it illuminates the richness and depth of the vocation of consecrated virginity. With remarkable theological insight and the depth of her own lived witness, Erin Kinsella masterfully weaves together an integrated and compelling exploration of this sacred calling. Having ministered to young people in their vocational discernment for decades, I recognize this book as an invaluable resource. It will undoubtedly inspire many hearts to embrace the dignity and beauty of Jesus’ call to be His—as a consecrated virgin.”
– Angèle Regnier, Cofounder, Catholic Christian Outreach
“I welcome this book because it both uses a theological lens and addresses several particular aspects of this vocation.”
– Crystal Hampson, Consecrated Virgin, Diocese of Saskatoon
“Thoroughly researched, theologically rich, engaging, and accessible, this welcome book provides invaluable insight into the history, beauty, and meaning of consecrated virginity. Balancing spiritual depth with practical wisdom, Erin Kinsella’s writing shines with sincerity, joy, and love for the Divine Bridegroom and His beloved Bride, the Church.”
– Dr. Christina Labriola, Consecrated Virgin, Archdiocese of Toronto