The Formation itinerary:
The Congregation offers young women who express
the desire to become a Missionary Sister of Our Lady of Africa a formation
itinerary. Each period is at the service of human and spiritual growth of the
individual in view of her life choice.
With the pre-petulancy in her country or in a
neighbouring country, during 9 months, the candidate discovers little by
little, life in a community of the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Africa.
She works and also attends classes.
The
International Postulancy
Is the first spiritual period where young women from different countries make an experience together of the apostolate, introduction to the life of personal and community prayer and receive some teaching. This period lasts two years.
The
International Novitiate
Is the founding period of our initial formation
to missionary religious life. It lasts
18 months. This time of the "desert" and of deeper listening to the
Spirit allows the novice to discern the call she hears to follow Christ in our
congregation. It leads to a strong attachment to Jesus Christ and his mission.
First commitment and sending on Mission:
At the end of the novitiate, the novice
pronounces her first vows. Then she is sent on Mission.
The
period of temporary vows
It lasts between 6 and 9 years. It allows the
young professed sister to be rooted in our religious and missionary vocation by
serving the church in Africa or elsewhere. During this stage or after final
commitment, the congregation will offer her a time of biblical or theological
studies.
Final
commitment
After 6 years of temporary vows, the young
professed sisters meet together to live a
time of preparation for final
commitment. We call it the "Juniorate". Perpetual vows are usually
made in the sister's home country. This marks the final commitment in the
Congregation.