Formation Process

If the aspirant fulfills the requirements of age (21-40), studies, Catholic background. If he has gone through the process of discernment and interviews, he has completed the application form and other requirements OLG Province might consider necessary, then he will be able to enter into the candidacy program:

“According to the Rule and General Constitutions of the Order of Friars Minor. Chapter 6, Articles. 148-167”

1. Initial formation begins on the day a man is admitted to the Order as a candidate and lasts until the day of his definitive commitment, confirmed by solemn profession.
   
   
2. In our Order initial formation includes three levels:
   1. Candidacy:
      Begins when a man asks to take on our way of life with the intention of preparing himself suitably for the novitiate. In this stage of the formation process, the candidate will be helped to accomplish the goals of the program and if necessary to supplement his initial Christian formation. The candidate must discover his vocation more deeply and grow into the Franciscan life step by step. Norms about admission, duration and procedures regarding candidacy shall be determined in general and particular statutes with due regard for the requirements of law. Candidacy will last not fewer that six months or more than two years.
   2. Novitiate:
      This is a time of intense formation in order to more fully experience the Franciscan way of life. In this stage of formation, novices will study the Rule, the general statutes, the spirituality and Franciscan sources as well as the history of the Order and their Province. Novitiate is a time to experience in a greater depth the fraternal life. Novices will experience a life of contemplation, poverty, penance, prayer and work. Novitiate is not to last more than two years. When the time of the novitiate has been completed, a novice who is judged suitable will be admitted to temporary profession for a period of one year, renewable for up to nine years.
   3. Time of temporary profession:
      This time is means as a preparation for solemn ( final ) vows. The brothers will continue their formation that is specifically Franciscan in theory and in practice. In this time all the brothers according to their abilities, receive adequate training in areas such as philosophy, theology and pastoral studies, as well as in specialized ministries. The brothers must not forget the spirit of prayer and devotion. When the time for temporary profession is over, brothers who freely ask and are found suitable will be admitted to solemn profession, and by that fact are fully incorporated into the Order of friars minor for life.