Initial formation


Initial formation takes place in each Monastery and by inter-novitiate sessions between monasteries.

This formation involves various stages that enable the candidate to progressively immerse herself in the Constitutions of the Canonical Order of Augustinians of the Mercy of Jesus and the spirituality of St Augustine.

 

3 steps on the journey:

  • The Postulancy: (6 months to a maximum of 2 years),
  • The Novitiate: (2 years),
  • The period of Temporary Profession: (3 to a maximum of 9 years).

Initial Formation is a first step, and the sisters will have to continue growing together in the following of Christ.

 

After ones Perpetual Profession, on-going formation continues throughout life, in human, doctrinal, biblical, patristic and liturgical areas.

“The purpose in the formation of an Augustinian Sister is to lead her to seek the Lord constantly in prayer and in community with her sisters. It is to help her as a member of the Church, to be more and more a living witness to Christ in his mercy, following the way outlined by St Augustine.”  (Constitutions n°217)

“As she learns to receive and to give, she will experience like Mary, that it is in giving herself totally to the will of the Lord in the present moment, that she will find her fulfilment as a consecrated woman, one who is joyful and at peace.”

(Constitutions n° 239)


Young candidates, the Mistress of Formation (centre), a Temporary Professed Sister and the Prioress of the House of St Augustine (Botha's Hill, South Africa)
Young candidates, the Mistress of Formation (centre), a Temporary Professed Sister and the Prioress of the House of St Augustine (Botha's Hill, South Africa)

Postulancy


Postulancy is the step that prepares for the Novitiate and is a time for discerning ones vocation.

The postulant through growth in human and Christian maturity will discover more about the monastery that has welcomed her; its Charism and the Sisters in the community. This will help to give clarity to her sense of the call to follow Christ in the Canonical Life in this Monastery.

Noviciate


The novice, while living in the Monastery, acquires a concrete experience of community life, personal and liturgical prayer life and the service of mercy.

Thus the novitiate is a time for deepening discernment in view of the First Profession.

 

 

 

 

Temporary vows


The time of Temporary Vows is a period of deepening and searching for coherence in one’s life, in view of Perpetual Profession.

The Temporary Professed Sister should gradually realize the obligations her commitment places on her and become rooted in the living tradition of the Church and the Order.