Formation

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)



Sister Shirley Novice Mistress

As Novice Mistress 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.






    Sr Sindi, novice director South Africa







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  )




    





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)


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




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.








Led by the Lord in the spirit of Saint Francis, Berta 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.

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.

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)

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 )


If you feel God is inviting you  to explore life as a Franciscan Minoress Sister
visit our vocation website www.franciscanvocations.org.uk