This book situates the consecration issue within the context of the search for a biblically, theologically and ecclesiologically appropriate and meaningful basis for understanding the specific vocation and mission of the religious. It then looks for the roots of consecration in the experience and theology of the People of God, visiting the Scriptures and the spiritual and normative writings of the early religious-virgins and monks. It also gathers and makes a synthesis of the teachings of the Church on the consecration of the religious, and also refers to opinions of contemporary theologians on the issue. Then it presents a summary of the resulting key points of the study. Lastly, after the theoretical part, it discusses the study's implications for the everyday life of the religious.