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Let them always make a home and dwelling place in
themselves for Him who is the Lord God Almighty, Father, Son and Holy
Spirit. Thus, with undivided hearts, they may grow in all-embracing
love, as they turn without ceasing towards God
and their neighbour. (TOR Rule Ch 2)
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As formation
director it is a joy for me to accompany those who are led by the spirit
to our Minoress way of life. Those who are drawn to the Lord in the
footsteps of Francis and Clare, embark on a great adventure of love.
As a Minoress sister you will share the gospel journey in
contemplation and compassion in the love of God and all our brothers and
sisters.
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Those who come to
us, under the Lord's inspiration, wishing to take up this way of life, are to be received with kindness
(TOR
Rule Ch 2 ) |
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In the words of
Saint Francis:
Therefore hold back nothing of yourselves,
for yourselves
so that He who gives Himself totally to you,
may receive you totally.
(Letter to the Entire Order 29)
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The
Prayer before the Crucifix Most
High,
glorious God,
enlighten the darkness of my heart
and give me
true faith,
certain hope,
and perfect charity,
sense and knowledge,
Lord,
that I may carry out
Your holy and true command |
Led by the Lord in the spirit of Saint Francis, Nelisa
makes her commitment as a postulant and receives the Tau Cross as a sign
of her commitment.
The stage of
postulancy
is flexible , six months - two years and this is followed by two years as
a novice.
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It takes time in
faith, prayer and discernment to commit oneself to
God in this way. The
initial stages of religious life are designed to help a person grow
towards a fuller understanding of what God is asking.
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In the House of Formation
the time is spent in prayer and
study of the gospel values, of
our Franciscan heritage
and the history and
charism of our
Congregation.
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At the end of these
initial stages of formation, through personal and community discernment,
the person is ready to commit herself to God through a life of chastity,
poverty and
obedience, for a period of
at least three years leading to a
lifelong commitment.
This
gift of ourselves to God is accepted by the Church, and by it we are
also dedicated to her service, which continues the work of Christ in the
world. ( FSM Constitutions)
God
in His Mercy has called us not for our own good alone but for the good
of the many ( Saint Francis)
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When those God has called respond and vow
themselves to Him, He puts His seal on them 'You are Mine'. Perpetual
Profession is an act of God by which He consecrates persons to Himself,
assuring them of His constant love and support, 'I am with you always'.
(FSM Constitutions Ch 6 )
Therefore, hold nothing of yourselves for
yourselves so that He who gives Himself totally to you, may receive you
totally.
( Saint Francis: a Letter to the Entire Order, 29 )
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