"For many are called, but few are chosen."
Matthew 22:14
Pre-Candidacy
If you are interested in joining us you are given the opportunity to learn the basics to live as a group. You will be going through different activities to get a glimpse of the life you will be living. You will also have English classes.
Candidacy
If you decide to take a step forward after the pre-candidacy period, you will be a candidate of our Institute. During the candidacy period, importance will be given to the Scriptures and to our prayer life. More emphasis is given to learning the English language since we are an international congregation and we need to be able to communicate with those who do not speak our national languages. English is the official language of the Institute.
Pre-Novitiate
After the candidacy period, you enter the Pre-Noviciate. During this period, you will study the Rule of St. Francis of Assisi as we follow the Franciscan Spirituality. You will be introduced to our Foundress, Blessed Mary of the Passion, and to the charism as given to us by our foundress. Our charism includes five dimensions: Franciscan, Marian, Missionary, Community and the Eucharistic vocation. You will also have the opportunity to receive psychological help to heal any past negative experiences. This period is an intensive period of discernment.
Novitiate
Together with your formators, your discernment process will take you to the next step, the novitiate. Once you enter the Novitiate, you will become a member of the Institute. This is an intensive two-year formation period, preparing you for your total consecration as a committed religious, living in a community. Quality time will be given to study the Constitutions, which is based on the Scriptures and the writings of our Foundress. During this period, you will have the experience of living our charism in a concrete and practical way. The discernment process will be intensified.
Temporary Profession
At the end of the two-year period in the novitiate, you will make your temporary vows in preparation for your final vows. We make vows of Poverty, Obedience and Chastity, initially for three years. Once you make your “First Vows”, you will be sent to another community where you will begin your mission which could take various forms, while being inserted among the people in a varied number of different contexts. During this period, you will have the opportunity to experience the true meaning of right relationships, with the sisters whom the Lord gives you, and also to live right relationships with people in the parish and with those you encounter in doing our ministries. This period will help you to deepen your discernment process in view of making your final commitment as a Franciscan Missionary of Mary.
Perpetual Profession
You become a permanent member of the Institute after going through a deeper discernment programme, which can last from four to six months. During this period the accompaniment process will continue. After your final vows, the on-going formation will continue, in life and through life.