Careful attention is paid as to who
is admitted to the Novitiate. Just because one wishes to join the
Society does not automatically mean he may do so. Only after several
visits with the community, and time spent as a
Postulant, might one ask for
permission in
writing to enter the Novitiate. Permission will be granted only
to those who are seen as offering themselves to the Society of
the Immaculata with the true spirit and determination of perseverance
in religious life as Cofounders. Once permission is given, the
individual is to make arrangements for somebody to administer his
financial affairs while he is in the Novitiate. The year of Novitiate
begins after a
full week of Spiritual Exercises, at the end of which the aspirant
receives the habit of the Society.
As required by Canon Law [Canons 553-556], the
canonical Novitiate lasts one full year. At the end of this year, those
admitted to
Religious Profession will make
First
Vows [ a period of one (1) year]. At the completion of the time
allotted for First Vows, the religious will make
Triennial Vows [a period of three (3)
years]. At the completion of the time allotted for Triennial Vows, the
religious is admitted to
Perpetual
Profession.
The Novitiate Formation Progamme is as follows:
Constitution
of the Society of the Immaculata
An in-depth study of the entire
Constitutions
of the Society of the Immaculata. An explanation of the Founder's
charism, and the manner in which the Founder's charism would have the
Constitutions lived by the
religious.
Practice of the Rule & Vows
An in-depth study of religious life and what is to be expected
of
one entering into it: fraternal charity, manual labour, silence,
punctuality, etc. Exposure to religious customs and the manner of doing
things. An introduction to the religious way of life, including a
thorough explanation of the vows of Poverty, Chastity
and Obedience as lived in the Society. Primary Texts: Practice of the
Vows, Practice of the Rule, by Louis Colin, C.SS.R.
Montfortian Spirituality
A complete study of the life of St. Louis Marie de Montfort.
Reading of all
his works:
Letters,
The Love of Eternal Wisdom, Letters to the Friends of the Cross, The
Secret of the Rosary, The Secret of Mary, True Devotion to the Blessed
Virgin.
Introduction to the Spiritual Life I & II
Provides an introduction to the basics of the spiritual
life. Learning
to make proper examination of conscience, morning meditation, spiritual
reading. Primary
text: Three Stages of the Spiritual Life, by Garigou La Grange, O.P.
Catechism I & II
A basic introduction to the Faith by a systematic covering of
the Catechism of the Council of Trent to ensure that all begin the
Novitiate on the same footing.
Liturgical Practicum
Provides basic knowledge of how to serve the priest at low and
high Mass, how to pray the Divine Office, recitation of the Rosary and
community prayers in Latin, public speaking particularly with an
emphasis on Latin pronunciation.
Introduction to Latin, Latin I & II
A basic introduction to the grammar and vocabulary of ecclesiastical
Latin. Primary Text: Scanlon’s Latin I & Latin II.
Gregorian Chant
Introduction to the liturgical music of the Church. Learning to
read written notation.
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