On Saturday, an Indiana woman, Jessica Hayes, 38, married Jesus, the son of God in downtown Fort Wayne and become a consecrated virgin.
Consecrated virgins are similar to nuns in that they live chaste lives. But they do not live in convents and they are not obliged to take on any particular work for the Catholic Church.
Jessica Hayes, 38, who is a theology teacher at Bishop Dwenger High School in Fort Wayne, said she decided to become an consecrated virgin after years of prayer and soul-searching. And for the
occassion, wore a wedding dress.
She says she will continue to live her normal life at home - only now she will not be able to get married to anyone else or to have sex for the rest of her life.
'My students asked if they should call me Mrs. Hayes when I come back to school next week, and no, I’m still Ms. But I am married to Jesus.'
As a consecrated virgin, Hayes may not have 'knowing and deliberately' engaged in sexual relations in the past.
'I think that in some sense, we’re all called to be married. It’s just a matter of discerning how. So, my marriage is to Christ and someone else’s marriage is to their spouse,' she told WANE.
Saturday's ceremony was conducted by Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. He said:
'It seems most appropriate that Jessica gives herself totally to Jesus, is consecrated to a life of virginity.'
Hundreds of people attended the service - most of whom were strangers to the bride. She said most turned up because they were 'interested' - and she was pleased with the turnout.
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