Formation as a continuous process of growth and conversion that involves the whole person, must favor the development of the human, Christian, and monastic dimension of the candidates and nuns, radically living the Gospel, so that one’s life becomes a prophecy.
Religious Formation begins with the call of God and the decision to follow in the footsteps of Christ by entrance into the Community, and continues throughout one's lifetime. Formation is a privileged time for the Sisters who are candidates for the contemplative, monastic life. In all stages of formation, they are formed in the doctrine of our Holy Founders and of the Institute in general. The Novice Mistress accompanies the candidates throughout the formation.
The period of Aspirancy lasts one year and may be extended an additional year. During this time, the candidate and the Community get to know each other, and she reflects on her call to the contemplative life to discern if she is truly called.
The Postulancy is a time of transition from life in the world to life in the Monastery. It lasts a full year, and may be extended another year. It allows the Postulant to experience life in the Monastery with the demands of enclosure and relations with the Sisters, and to determine her true capacities to live the life.
The Novitiate is a time of intense formation for a Novice to give herself completely to Our Lord as a Visitandine. She deepens her life of prayer and devotion to our Blessed Mother, coming to understand the "spirit" of our Order, and learns to give herself in total donation to God through the three Vows of Poverty, Chastity, and Obedience — in loving response to that look of love from the Father inviting her to spousal union with His Son Jesus.
The time of temporary Profession lasts 5 five years. It is a time when a Junior Professed continues her formation, interiorizing the Gospel, remembering that this evangelical life should be lived according to the spirit and Constitutions of the Order. It is also a time to deepen knowledge of the requirements of the contemplative life, living deeply her life of prayer and fraternal life, to be convinced of its real but hidden fruitfulness, which complements the other vocations in the Church. Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, she can then give herself unreservedly and definitively to the Lord in Solemn Vows.
At the end of the Novitiate, the Sister, being convinced of the value of a life completely dedicated to the contemplative life in the Order, having been accepted to Profession, pronounces Solemn or Simple Vows, being at least 23 years of age. She is then a full member of the Community. When the Sisters consecrate themselves to the Lord by their Profession, they bind themselves at the same time to live the evangelical counsels in a particular Community, and continue their formation throughout their life.
If you sense God may be inviting you to this life of prayer, we would be glad to walk with you in discernment.
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