PURPOSE OF FORMATION

The principal purpose of formation at these various stages, initial and ongoing, is to immerse religious in the experience of God and to help them perfect it gradually in their lives.

ASPIRANCY — One year

"They forthwith left their nets and father and followed Him" (Mt. 4:22).

POSTULANCY — One year

"Here I am Lord, I come to do your will."

NOVITIATE — Two years

"A hidden life with Christ in God" (Col. 3:3).

"Go before Him with exultation... Pass through His gates with hymns of thanksgiving; enter His courts with songs of praise" (Ps. 99:2-4).

JUNIORATE — Six years

"What shall I render to the Lord for all He has rendered me?" (Ps. 115:3).

"The Lord has done great things for us; He has filled us with joy" (Ps. 125:3).

FINAL VOWS

"It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me" (Gal. 2:20).

"Go before Him with exultation... Pass through His gates with hymns of thanksgiving; enter His courts with songs of praise" (Ps. 99:2-4).

ONGOING FORMATION

"Your houses should be especially centers of prayer, of recollection, of dialogue — personal and, above all, communitarian — with Him whom you converse in the busy round of your daily lives" (SS John Paul II, Nov 1978 to Religious).