Stages of Formation
"To discover the will of God is simple and complicated, bright and dark, painful and pleasant, natural and wonderful at the same time according to circumstances. And so we must not be simplistic, but neither should we get involved in exasperating and tormenting uncertainty. Rather we have to be prudent, to examine ourselves, to pray and seek advice and then make a decision in faith."
Blessed Fr. James Alberione
The first stage of formation is "Postulancy."
The development and stability of the Institute depends greatly on a careful selection of candidates and so a period of postulancy is necessary.
The potential members must have a right intention and a sincere desire to attain perfect charity by committing themselves in following the practice of the Evangelical Counsels, to obtain an ever more perfect imitation of Jesus Christ. The member is also dedicating themselves to the apostolate.
Postulancy is for a period of at least six months up to one year.
The next stage is "Novitiate"
Institute life begins with the Novitiate whose, purpose is to ensure that the novices:
become aware of their divine call to the Institute
get accustomed to the Institute lifestyle and its special apostolate
are examined in regards to their suitability and real intentions
Upon the member's entrance to the Novitiate and after a course of Spiritual Exercises promoted by the Institute, the novice will receive a copy of the statutes, so that, having carefully examined it, he can see if he is in the will of God.
During the novitiate the novice everyday:
will take part in the Eucharistic Celebration of the Mass
will meditate on the Word of God and on the Founder's writings
will pray the Liturgy of the Hours (Morning and Evening Prayer)
will recite the Holy Rosary
will make the visit to the Blessed Sacrament
will make an examination of conscience
During the month:
will receive at least twice the Sacrament of Reconciliation
will study more deeply the documents of the Magisterium of the Church
will take part in a Day of Recollection
will allow time for study
will submit to the Provincial Delegate a report on how his formative journey is going
The time of Novitiate is calculated from the moment the novices are registered in the Novitiate Register and it lasts for two years.
For special reasons it may be prolonged by the Provincial Delegate but not for more than one year.
Next "Temporary Profession of the Evangelical Counsels"
For the first three years the Evangelical Counsels are professed annually.
Then they are made for a two-year period.
For particular reasons the Superior General of The Society of St. Paul may prolong the period of Temporary Profession for another two years.
At this stage for just reasons the member may not be allowed to renew the Evangelical Counsels by the Provincial Superior or be admitted to "Perpetual Profession."
If the member is approved and accepted after Temporary Profession the member will then be accepted to Final Profession.
Finally "Perpetual Profession"
After the period of Temporary Profession is complete and the member is accepted to final profession, the member then completes his initial formational journey by his "Perpetual Profession."
We are well aware that God works with those who love him, those who have been called in accordance with his purpose, and turns everything to their good. He decided beforehand who were the ones destined to be molded to the pattern of his Son, so that he should be the eldest of many brothers.
Saint Paul in his Letter to the Romans 8:28-29
