Initial formation
We are blessed to have four years of initial formation before making our first temporary profession: two years of Prenovitiate and two of Novitiate. We envision formation as an integral process that fosters the intellectual, human and spiritual growth of each Sister.
Our curriculum is comprised of general studies (Philosophy, Geography and History, Spanish and Latin), Theology (Fundamental and Dogmatic Theology, Sacred Scripture, Moral Theology and Theology of the Religious Life) and classes proper (Spirituality of the Sacred Heart and Devotion to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, History and traditions of our Religious Institute, founding writings and history of our apostolic works).
COMMUNITY LIFE
HOLY ROSARY
Stages
PRENOVITIATE
Our time of formation begins with the first two first years: Postulancy and Prenovitiate. During this period of initial formation, young women have a direct experience of our religious life in an environment that fosters the human skills of decision-making, love and self-sacrifice. They begin to discover the joy and sacrifices of our beautiful vocation and community life through prayer, work, study and spiritual direction. .
(cf. Directory 98)
NOVITIATE
After the two years of this experience, the Prenovice receives her habit and white veil in a ceremony and is welcomed by our religious family. She desires to respond seriously to the love of the Sacred Heart as Our Lady did and she opens herself to the work of the Holy Spirit. The Novices are encouraged to live out the human and Christian virtues, in a path of greater perfection, thorough prayer and self-abnegation. They are instructed in contemplation of the mystery of salvation, and reading and meditation of Sacred Scriptures. They are formed to live the holy vows and learn about the spirit, finality, discipline, history and life of the Institute. They are imbued with love for the Church and her holy shepherds.
(cf. Constitutions 137)
After completing the first year of Novitiate at Marian Fountain of Living Faith, they travel to Spain together with the other novices from our 7 Novitiates, to form part of the Piedras Vivas Novitiate for the last year of their initial formation and to prepare for their religious consecration. In the Motherhouse, they make their first profession of vows and formally become members of our Religious Institute as Daughters of Holy Mary of the Heart of Jesus. This begins their time of Juniorate - temporal vows - in preparation for their perpetual profession, which will seal their consecration for all eternity.
