Novitiate

Each candidate undergoes a period of probation before taking perpetual vows: first postulancy, which lasts about six months, followed by the taking of the vows, i.e. the ceremonial putting on of the habit and taking the religious name. Formation in the novitiate lasts two years. The candidate undergoes formation under the direction of the novitiate master. For the next three years, temporary vows are taken every year, and only after these are the candidate allowed to take perpetual vows.