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What is the novitiate? |
| It is the question we are asked most often, and actually it is not quite easy to answer. Reducing the answer to a list of activites would be far too simplistic, and a presenting only "theoretically" the meaning and the purpose of the novitiate would be extremely dry. We shall attempt a way between.
To better understand the meaning of the novitiate, we should keep in mind what the Society itself says:
"The novitiate is a period of both formation and trial during which the grace of vocation should be cultivated, and should already start showing its fruit." (CN 44 § 1)
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Novitiate is a time of verification of own'd vocation, of discernment of God's will to decide on the direction of life. It is also a time for laying foundations (in the spiritual experience of encounter with Christ), of initiation in religious life in the Society of Jesus. It is a stage characterised by different "experiments", different trials, which progressively help to form and verify, to learn the Jesuits' way of proceeding and apostolic mission, in the context of a close relationship with the Lord, accompanied by the Novice Master.
Experiments ...
| Our path during the novitiate is marked by different experiences or "experiments". Some clearly have to be highlighted.
The first - and central - "experiment" is the month of the Spiritual Exercises ... foundational experience of encounter with Christ, and at the same time of knowing better oneself, were God "reveals" who are, and helps us recognise our deepest aspirations and desires, as well as the obstacles which block our way to freely choose Him. Certainly this fundamental experience has to be carried over into everyday life: growing in familiarity with God in prayer, to grow in personal love for Christ and learning to find God in all things.
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right: Sacred Heart (Br. Venzo)
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left:"... helping and serving all ..." |
A second experiment, during the first year, consists in a month of service in a hospital ... helping and serving all, sick or healthy, to serve in everything and everbody our Lord and Creator. Day after day with the sick and with those who serve them: where the need is not only of those who suffer from physical or mental problems, but everybody, needing to give and to receive. |
During summer, in both years, we live in different communities and help out with a number of ministries - the Summer experiments - whoch bring us in contact with the concrete day to day life of the Society in is prayer and missions, in its openness to the interior and social problems of today's society.
During the second year, then, we live in our Novitiate house itself a study experiment... a month of short courses (including introduction to Sacred Scripture, to the Mystery of the Church, and Ignatian Pedagogy). For the apostolic experiment we live during lent, we are sent to some Jesuit houses or schools, to help out with pastoral activities particularly in preparation for Easter. During summer, arriving towards the end of this stage, we are sent, two by two, on pilgrimage in poverty ... on foot, without any money, or any financial security, any food or lodging - so that we may profoundly live the presence of the Lord and his Providence in ways we usually do not bother about.
... and daily life ...
| Novitiate cannot be reduces to the main experiments. Ordinary daily life in the house is equally important ... personal prayer and daily celebration of the Eucharist, helping and serving in the work at home, the meeting with the Father Master on the life of Ignatius (the Autobiography) or on the Society (the Constitutions and the Complementary Norms).
Every week, during the year (when we are not away from Genoa), we also have our simple apostolic commitments, through the Associazione "San Marcellino" or in some parishes of Genoa. This apostolic commitment is a moment of growth interiorly and in human relations, through the contact with other, and a moment to know better the companion in the same apostolate.
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above: and activity with young people
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left: a "villa" together at Forte Diamante |
| Moments of relaxation are of particular importance, helping to get to know each other better, and grow in community spirit. Thursday is our traditional "villa", a break mid-week when we go out together (or in groups) returning home in the evening (for Vespers), visiting the city, or going for a walk in the mountains or countryside, or - more relaxed - by the sea. We also spend two periods of holidays as a community - after Christmas, and in early summer.
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... chosing this way of life
| The novitiate has, so to say, a finishing line. After considering and trying the vocation, and having lived in the Society for two years, comes a moment of decision. Those who, together with the superiors, see that this in the life they want to choose, and to which the Lord is calling them, pronounce the First Vows of perpetual Poverty, Chastity, and Obedience and promise to become a more integral part of the Society of Jesus once they finish their formation, and when the superiors call them to pronounce their Final Vows. |
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right: a novice pronouncing his first vows
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