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Interprovincial Novitiate |
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ORDER OF FRIARS MINOR |
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SAN DAMIANO FRIARY |
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THE
NOVITIATE |
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“The Rule and Life of the Lesser Brothers is this: to
observe the Holy Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ by living in obedience,
without anything of one’s own, and in chastity.” The Rule of the Friars
Minor, Chapter I |
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Novitiate is a time and a place for
the Franciscan novices to seek the face of God, grow in relationship with
Christ, and discern their calling as Friars Minor. During this year of retreat, directed by a
team of professed friars, the novices come to a deeper understanding of
themselves, God, and their vocation. While at the novitiate, they have
limited exposure to the busy lives that they came from and spend most of
their time on the grounds. A more “contemplative” lifestyle is adopted in
order to nourish the spirit of prayer and devotion and so to aid the novices
on their journey of discernment. This website is dedicated to the
Interprovincial Novitiate located at San Damiano Friary in Cedar Lake,
Indiana. This Interprovincial Novitiate is a collaborative effort of three
provinces: Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. John the Baptist, and
Sacred Heart. It emphasizes the contemplative dimension of Franciscan life
and helps each novice, and the fraternity, discern his readiness for
Temporary Profession. The program lasts one year and fulfills all canonical
requirements. With the focus on helping each
novice deepen his relationship with God through liturgy and prayer, the year
includes:
Daily
Eucharist,
Liturgy of
the Hours,
Faith-Sharing,
Days of Recollection, various retreats, hermitage experience, spiritual
direction, formal classes, and personal prayer time. Along with growth in the spiritual life of each
novice, the development of community living skills are also a vital part of
the novitiate life. Also included in the novitiate year are opportunities for
ministry with the poor and a regular schedule of manual labor. Each novice’s
fitness and readiness for first profession is to be evaluated on the
following qualities: Human, Christian, and Franciscan. |