On October 16, 2024, Most Rev. Earl Fernandes issued a decree to establish the Ordo Viduarum, or the Order of Widows, as a community of diocesan right. It is open to widows over 60 who have been sacramentally married. The decree was published on October 16th, the feast of Saint Hedwig, a widow. In the Diocese of Columbus, six women whose husbands have passed away are discerning religious life in the Ordo Viduarum.

In 1 Timothy, it mentions the qualifications of for various ministries, including rules for widows, namely, that “she is not less than sixty years old, married only once, with a reputation for good works…” (1 Tim 5:9-10). The widows belonging to the order, through a vow of perpetual chastity,  remain permanently in their widowed state of life and dedicate themselves to prayer and the service of the Church. It is only open to women who live in the diocese.

In the Decree it states: “…there are yet does not exist in the Universal Law for the Catholic Church an order of Widows, and diocesan Bishops are to endeavor to discern new gifts of consecrated life which the Holy Spirit entrusts to the Church” (cf. Canon 605).  (ColumbusCatholic.org)