Formation Process
Men who pursue a vocation with the Society of Mary follow an intense formation process that leads them to examine themselves and their spirituality. The first step to becoming a Marianist is to be a Contact. Contacts learn about the religious institute and themselves through retreats and through the guidance of a Marianist whom they contact regularly. The next step is the Aspirancy - a 10-month journey of living with a Marianist community and following its daily practices. Each aspirant works in a ministry to further his understanding of Marianist spirituality and his own faith. At the end of this period, one enters the Novitiate, which is a 20-month period divided over 2 years. During that time, the novice learns about the institute, and spends time deeply discerning his call to the institute.
At the end of the Novitiate, the novice professes Temporary Vows. He must annually renew the vow for at least 3 years. At the end of that time, the brother can decide to enter into Perpetual Profession, in which the brother professes the vows of poverty, chastity, obedience, and stability. In addition, some brothers study to become priests at the International Marianist Seminary in Rome, Italy.
Read more about this topic: Society Of Mary (Marianists)
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