Philosopher Ronda Chervin has some notes on her web site about the institution of consecrated widowhood. In some countries the Church has established it as a recognized form of spiritual life in the Church, parallel in some ways to the existing forms for consecrated virgins.
So far these forms seem to be defined as for women only. What's with that?
Incidentally -- also at Dr. Chervin's site -- Juli Loesch Wiley's novel, Emma's Journey, is out. Since it runs parallel to Juli's own life story in some ways -- the progress of a Catholic feminist pro-lifer/peace activist -- I dare say it sounds autobiographical.
