Stages of Formation
Aspirancy:
Discernment to vocation to religious life
“Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch” Lk 5:4b
It is a time of deeper searching and discernment, of opening up one’s self in order to discover God’s specific call with the accompaniment of an FMM sister. The aspirant who has accomplished all the requirements and has applied in writing to the Provincial Superior joins us for a 2 or 3-month live-in aspirancy program. Its program is flexible and has no specific structure. It is adapted according to the needs of the aspirant to aid her arrive at a free and mature decision whether or not to proceed to the next stage of formation.
Pre-Novitiate:
Discernment to FMM life
“Come and see…” John 1:39
The aim of the Pre-Novitiate or Postulancy is to allow for acquaintance, progressive adaptation to FMM religious life, and the discernment needed at this stage, as well as to continue human and Christian formation for entry into the Novitiate. (Const. 104)
The postulant is slowly introduced to the FMM life and mission. The length of the Pre-Novitiate is one year to two years where human and Christian formation are given priority through seminars, personal study, spiritual accompaniment and culminates in a 3-month mission exposure in an FMM community.
Novitiate :
The Beginning of FMM life
“Follow me” Lk 5:27c
The NOVITIATE marks the beginning of Religious life and its duration is two years to two and half years; it is the INTENSIVE PERIOD of INITIAL FORMATION (Const. 110). Its objectives include: the discovery of the FMM Charism and spirituality – to understand and interiorize it; to deepen the novice’s personal relationship with Christ, constantly desired and sought, through a time of interiorization, of initiation into prayer, silence, solitude and reflection; and finally, to prepare herself for consecration by the Evangelical Vows. This is a formation “in life and through life”.
The initiation to FMM life which she receives during her novitiate is completed with TEMPORARY PROFESSION.
Temporary Profession or Juniorate:
Discernment towards definitive commitment to the FMM life
“Behold I send you…” Mt 10: 16a
It is the period of initial engagement into the FMM life and mission and gain substantial community and apostolic experience towards definite commitment. Integrated in their formation is the ongoing study of the charism coupled with Theological and skills formation needed for the mission.
Temporary vows are made for three years which may be renewed for a period of one to three years and if deemed necessary can be prolongated to another three years with the permission of the Superior General.
Perpetual Profession:
a response until death to God’s call of love by the free gift of self that sets one free for God and for others…
(Const. 49)
“… do you love me more than these? Feed my lambs.” Jn 21: 15b,d
FMM Prayer for Vocations
God our Father,
With joyful hearts we praise and thank You
because you have called us to discipleship as
Franciscan Missionaries of Mary.
We ask you to bestow this precious gift on
many others so they too may possess this joy.
Make us realize the importance of our life witness as
an inspiration for those just setting out on the path of discipleship.
Lord, send us faith-filled and courageous young women who,
for love of the Eucharist, the Great Missionary,
are ready and are fully available for Universal Mission.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ Your Son
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever. Amen.
St. Joseph, send us good and generous vocations.
FRANCISCAN MISSIONARIES OF MARY
3rd Street No. 6, New Manila,
1112 Quezon City
Phone: (02) 8722-7350
Fax: (02) 8722-8522