POSTULANCY

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The word postulant comes from the Latin “postulare” and means “to ask”. Originally, this was someone who made a request, hence “aspirant”. Nowadays, this word refers to someone who asks to be admitted to a monastery.

The postulant or candidate does not take vows, but commits to joining the life and mission of the congregation.

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During the postulancy, the candidate's suitability and vocation are assessed, her knowledge of Christian life is tested and supplemented, and a start is made on her spiritual and psychological development and the possibilities this offers. (K. 77)

During the postulancy, the candidate receives help and advice from the formation leader and also lessons in the following areas:

• the foundations of the faith;

• prayer, liturgy, psalms

• the life of the foundress, Elisabeth Gruyters;

• the history of our Congregation;

• the foundations of religious life.

The duration of the postulancy varies from six months to two years, depending on the judgement of the formator and consultation with the postulant herself. (Directory 65)

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NOVICIATE

 

The novitiate is the period during which a postulant is admitted as a novice (meaning new) to a religious community. It is the preparatory period for temporary profession.

 

An important point to consider when admitting a postulant is the personal maturity of the candidate: she must be willing and able to undergo the period of formation. During this phase, the novice is introduced to and guided towards her religious life under vows, in the community of the congregation. (K. 70) The novice must be willing and able to allow herself to be formed for the life and mission of the congregation. (Dir. 68)

 

Our novitiate programme lasts two years and begins with a clothing ceremony in which the novice receives the religious habit with veil and a new name. The first year, known as the canonical year, is entirely devoted to prayer and study. In the second year, a novice may participate in the apostolate for some time.

 

The novices take classes in the Bible, prayer, church history, religious life and evangelical counsels, the spirituality of the congregation, the Statutes and Directory, and the apostolic mission.

During the preparation for profession, the religious sensibilities and talents of the novice are supported and guided towards the spirituality and charism of the congregation. (K. 80)

 

At the end of her novitiate, the novice may, at her own request and on the recommendation of the novice mistress, be admitted to temporary profession by the provincial superior with the consent of her council. The condition for admission is that she is willing and suitable to participate in the life and mission of the congregation. (K. 84)​

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