We know that St. Benedict’s spiritual wisdom is valid for all Christians and so the monastery welcomes those who believe that God might be calling them to our monastic way of life.
Stages of Formation
- Candidacy is the initial stage in which a man inquires about the community (through phone calls or letters) and begins his preparation for entry into the monastery. Eventually, visits will be arranged in which the candidate can live with the community and experience life in the monastery. During this time he is to prepare his documentation (Certificates of sacramental initiation, Holy Communion, confirmation etc., academic certificates, as well as references) and satisfy any financial debts. The candidate is expected to possess a level of maturity and character suited for life in a religious community and earnest desire to serve God through work and prayer in the context of a Benedictine community. The candidate must be free from financial debt or other legal obligations to make a valid entry to the monastery.
- Postulancy begins when all the documentation has been done and the candidate, who desires to enter the monastic life, can begin to live with the community. During this time he will become more familiar with the demands of monastic life.
- Novitiate is a one year period of preparation required before the profession of monastic vows. The year is lived according to the norms of Canon Law and the Constitutions of the Congregation. The guidance of a novice master during this helps the candidate to recognize the gift of his vocation. The novitiate year includes formation on the Christian life, prayer, the vows, the Holy Rule, and the life and history of the Congregation.
- Temporary Profession is after the novitiate. Each year the vows can be renewed in preparation for the solemn profession. During the years in temporary profession, guided by a director, the junior monk continues his formation in the monastic life. During this time he may also begin or continue studies in preparation for the priesthood or other areas of academic fields of education.
- Solemn Profession is made after three or more years of temporary profession. The solemnly professed monk continues to use the “tools of the spiritual craft” for the perfection in monastic life and Christian virtue. If the monk has studied for the priesthood, he would at this point be able to receive the sacrament of Holy Orders.
If you believe that God might be calling you to our monastic way of life, feel free to contact Fr. Vocation Director (+63 915 302 9418 / +63 917 777 2507) or write a letter using the contact form below, to begin a process of discernment with our community.
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Monastic Library
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