She chose to become involved in the Church as a consecrated virgin.

“It is a very ancient form of life in the Church, and which the Second Vatican Council revisited,” explains Claire Chevrolle, consecrated virgin of the diocese of Versailles (Yvelines).

After five centuries of eclipse – in the 16th century, the Council of Trent put an end to this female commitment in the city -, here they are today encouraged to take on a life “in the world”, as underlines the Vatican document defining their vocation: “Consecration reserves them for God without removing them from the environment where they live and where they are called to bear witness. »

Claire says she “rediscovered her baptism” during a strong spiritual experience as an adult. In one’s desire to respond to God’s call, where should one begin? “Ten hours a day, I’m at work: that’s where I start! » she said to herself.

The professional environment is in fact a place where the relationship with power and having, like the relationship with others, intersect: demonstrating one’s fidelity to the love of Christ takes on its full meaning. In the ten years following this decisive moment, the young woman sought to ensure that her “first yes to Jesus” found a form made official by the Church.

It was in Belgium, during a professional mission, that she met a consecrated virgin who worked, while participating in accompanying retreatants in a Jesuit spiritual center. This form of consecration to God, within a diocese and within the world, meets his expectations.

Sent on behalf of the Church

But for Claire, whose work in a company in the energy sector means she travels a lot, which diocese should she choose? It will be that of Versailles, where she rediscovered her baptism.

This rooting in a particular territory, with its physiognomy and its history, is fundamental: “Even if I am in the diaspora, I know where my land is. » Her commitment as a consecrated virgin was received by the bishop, Mgr Luc Crépy, on April 23, 2022.

In her missions, she knows she is “sent in the name of the Church, in addition to being there in a professional capacity”. Without proselytizing, she does not hide her commitment. “For many people, I am the first contact with the Church. »

Between her work during the day and serving ecclesial groups in the evening, Claire bridges the gap. The alliance she wears on her finger testifies to this alliance between God and men of which the Church wants to be the sign and the servant. And her commitment as a consecrated virgin, which today allows her to deploy all the energy of her faith.