This is getting to be a hot topic on both my yahoo group, "Ecclesia Dei Vocations," and Catholic Answers Forums.

I know OLAM Dad said that OLAM's church is consecrated, and it could not be "deconsecrated" and would have to be torn down if not used for the same purpose it is today.

However, I've got folks trying to tell me that there is a rite of "deconsecration."

Likewise, consecrated virgins say they cannot be dispensed from their consecration. Yet, everyone else is saying that anyone can be dispensed from anything, and that the US CVs are not entirely right by saying that they can't.

HELP! I've got a communications deficit, and I'm needing a lot of assistance in that area right now where this topic is concerned.

Blessings,
Gemma

About the Churches I don't know however, about consecrated virgins I believe that they can be dispensed from the OBLIGATIONS of their consecration. They are under their Bishop and so it is his call.
Solemnly professed men and women get a dispensation from the Holy Father only but I was told that the formula says, "In so far as I am able, I dispense you...." in other words, consecration, or the total holocaust of solemn Profession is between God and the person which even the Holy Father, as the Vicar of Christ can't "interfere" with.
My suggestion is that you talk to a canon lawyer who specializes in canon law for religious.
Whether it be consecration of virgins or religious profession, they come from the Church so it is the Chuch which determines the norms.
You really need to talk to a Canon Lawyer. Myself, I don't know how you can undo a total holocaust!

SMCatharine