Aspirancy / Candidacy
This is the initial stage of discernment in which a young woman, attracted by the love of God, begins a journey to discover His plan for her life. Accompanied by a Canossian Sister and guided by the Vocation Promoter, she gradually becomes familiar with the Canossian community and way of life.
During this period, the aspirant is encouraged to: deepen her relationship with God, grow in self-awareness and personal reflection, understand her family background and personal attitudes, remain open to dialogue, guidance, and feedback.
This stage helps her clarify her desire to respond freely and responsibly to God’s call and to discern whether she is being called to live as a Canossian Daughter of Charity, Servant of the Poor.
Postulancy (Pre- Novitiate)
Postulancy, also known as the Pre-Novitiate, is the period of preparation before entering the Novitiate. Its duration varies according to the personal growth and readiness of each candidate.
At this stage, the candidate who feels called by Jesus to religious life within the Institute continues her human, spiritual, and Christian formation while living within an apostolic community. She is gradually introduced to the Canossian charism, spirituality, and lifestyle.
Through the accompaniment of her formator, the postulant is helped to:
nurture her personal relationship with the Lord,
deepen her faith and human maturity,
understand and experience community life and mission,
evaluate the compatibility of her gifts with the Canossian vocation.
This period enables her to make a free, conscious, and informed choice regarding her vocation.
Inter Province Postulancy
Novitiate
The Novitiate is a special time of integral initiation into Canossian religious life. It is a period of discernment, formation, and deeper experience of following Christ Crucified.
The novice is invited to center her life on Jesus Crucified, with Mary at the foot of the Cross, through: meditation on the Word of God, personal prayer and meditation, sacramental and liturgical life, and reflection on the mystery of Christ Crucified.
As she contemplates Jesus, the “Great Model,” she gradually learns to conform herself to His attitudes, especially charity and humility, through a generous ascetical journey.
During this period, the novice:
deepens her understanding of the Canossian vocation,
interiorizes the spirit and charism of the Institute,
experiences community life and mission,
discerns her readiness to live consecrated life in communion and service.
Juniorate
The Juniorate begins with Temporary Profession, when the Sister professes the vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience for a limited period while continuing her formation journey.
This stage is a time of growth and integration in which the Junior Sister:
deepens the values learned during formation,
strengthens her Canossian identity,
develops a deeper relationship with Christ Crucified,
prepares herself for Final (Perpetual) Profession.
Through lived experience, she discovers that the love of Jesus Crucified surpasses all human limitations. Guided by the Holy Spirit, she learns to allow every aspect of her life to be animated by His love and dedicated to the service of God, the Church, and the poor.
Ongoing Formation
Ongoing Formation continues throughout the life of every Canossian Sister. It is a lifelong journey of growth in fidelity to the vocation of being a Daughter of Charity, Servant of the Poor.
After Perpetual Profession, the Sister continues to deepen her spiritual, human, and apostolic formation. This process involves the whole person — heart, mind, and will — and calls for openness to be continually shaped by life, mission, prayer, and community.
Ongoing Formation helps the Sister to:
grow in self-knowledge and maturity,
strengthen relationships that foster communion,
respond generously to the needs of mission,
become ever more authentic in living the Canossian charism.
It is a continuous commitment to renewal, rooted in the love of Christ Crucified and expressed in joyful service to others.
