Formation

The formation of consecrated persons is not something that is simple nor automatic… it is not a goal to achieve, but a process to undertake:  It requires attention to different aspects affecting the formation process and an active intervention by the various actors (both human and non-human) who are involved in it.  Formation then is a work that involves God and human beings – that is, the One who proposes it (God) and the one who receives the proposal (candidate). It is accomplished not only during a particular time dedicated for it but, more importantly, within the entire lifetime of the consecrated person who accepts God’s proposal.

It involves the continual attitude of listening and of sharing. Each individual is called to allow himself/herself to be touched, educated, provoked, and enlightened by present and history. The primary formator is the Trinitarian-God alone: it is the Father that molds in the formee the sentiments of the Son through the action of the Holy through the mediation of another human person (formator)

 Vocation to religious life especially to contemplative life is a pure gift from the Good God who always bring about the best in us and for us. The only thing we can do about it is to receive it joyfully and generously. Thus, in Mark 10:21 we read “Jesus looked at him and loved him. ……Then come, follow me.

  The main question is not what I want to do with my life, though necessary, but what does God want of me? Our call is first and foremost to be with the lord like Mary. Lk.10:39 “She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said.” It is an invitation to come and “waist your life and time” with the Lord. John 1:39-41 Jesus said, `Come and see.’ They went and saw the place where Jesus was staying. They stayed with Jesus the rest of the day. The rest of the day can mean the rest of your life.

In our monastery the initial formation is divided into four stages. Namely:

Aspirancy

‘Come and see’ Jh.1:38-39. This is a time of transition from the world and family life to the community. The candidate is gradually introduced into the regular life. She is helped to discern her vocation through regular dialogue with the mistress. It goes for one year.

Postulancy

Literally means one who ask and marks your official entry to an order. As a postulant one lives and prays with us, take classes to learn more about our order and our monastic discipline, and participate to, some extent, in our regular life. It goes for one year.

Novitiate

The purpose of the novitiate is to prepare the candidate to live a vowed life in the cloister. It’s a time to deepen in knowledge of the order’s charism and spirituality, as well as of the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity and obedience. Novitiate goes for two years.

Temporary Vows

The professed sister is still in formation, deepening her appreciation and understanding of her vocation as a contemplative nun. she participating more fully in the life of the community, and is helped to solidify her relationship with God as well as to clarify her call. At the end of three years in temporary vows, the sister renews her vows annually up to the completion of five years.  After which the sister commit herself totally to God by making Solemn profession. i.e. she deliberately, freely and publicly declare her commitment and intention to give herself completely to God and to the service of others though the specific charism of her order. The sister shares fully in the life of the community after solemn profession. In a Dominican term one becomes a chapter member. After solemn profession one enters into the second stage of formation called on-going formation.