The initial step in becoming a Passionist Nun is making contact, getting to know each other, discerning if a woman has the basic, objective qualifications. Depending on the distance and expense we like to have some personal contact, preferably by email, visits, and a live‑in experience of about a week.
Aspirant
After these initial contacts a woman may request to participate in the aspirancy program, which lasts a minimum of one year and can be up to two years. It includes continued contacts with the sisters involved in formation work, visits to experience our community life, as well as learning more about discernment and Passionist life through formation opportunities.
Postulant
If the young woman and those in charge of her formation feel that God is calling her to be a Passionist Nun she writes a request to be accepted as a Postulant. Postulancy lasts one year. A Postulant wears a simple black jumper and veil while living in the Novitiate. She is gradually incorporated into our life and has a Directress that will help her to integrate into the community. She attends classes to help her grow in wholeness and holiness.
Novice
After the postulancy follows the novitiate which lasts two years. The Novice receives the habit of a Passionist Nun except the Sign we wear over our heart and she wears a white veil instead of a black one. At this time she also receives her religious name. During this time she continues with classes focusing primarily on the meaning of religious life and the vows of poverty, chastity, obedience, enclosure and our special vow to promote devotion to the Passion of Jesus.
Junior Professed
At the end of the novitiate the Novice pronounces the five Passionist vows for three years. After these three years, she renews her vows annually for at least two more years. This period is commonly called the time of Temporary Vows or Juniorate. The Junior Sister receives the Sign of our Congregation and the black veil. She takes on more responsibilities in the community while continuing with some classes.
Final Professed
After these many years of preparation, the Sister fulfills her heart’s desire by pronouncing her Perpetual Vows, consecrating herself to Jesus with all her heart and forever, to be His Bride. She receives a silver wedding ring emblazoned with the Passion Sign. She is fully integrated into community life and responsibilities including becoming a voting member of the Chapter.