Formation is the basis of the growth of the Congregation, not only in terms of numbers but also in its sustainability. Proper formation produces committed sisters and gives identity to the Congregation in terms of Charism, spirituality, mission and vision. Religious formation in our Congregation is a structured and ongoing process through which Sisters and Formees are moulded intellectually, spiritually, morally, and pastorally to live out an authentic religious life and a deep relationship with Christ. As Sisters of Emmanuel, we believe that proper formation produces committed Sisters and gives them identity to our Congregation in terms of Mission, Charism and Spirituality.
Our Initial Formation includes: Aspirancy, Postulancy, Novitiate and Juniorate
It is the first stage of initial formation in which a person begins to show interest in religious life and to explore a possible vocation in our congregation. It is a period of accompaniment, exposure, and initial discernment, allowing the Aspirant to become familiar with the congregation’s life, prayer, community, and mission, while continuing personal growth in faith, human maturity, and Christian commitment.
It is a formal stage of initial formation during which the candidate lives more closely with the community in order to deepen vocational discernment. In this stage, the postulant learns about our Charism, Spirituality, history, and apostolic works, while growing in self-knowledge, community living, and readiness for religious life. It helps the candidate and the congregation to mutually discern suitability for entrance into the novitiate.
It is a canonical and intensive period of initial formation, primarily dedicated to deep spiritual formation, vocational discernment, and initiation into the religious life, the Evangelical Counsels, and the Constitutions of the Congregation. It requires an environment that fosters silence, prayer, community life, structured formation, and meaningful apostolic exposure, in order to support the integral growth of the Novices.
It follows first profession and continues until perpetual vows. This is a critical stage for the deepening of our religious identity through ongoing formation, academic or professional studies, pastoral engagement, and community life. Juniorate Program ensures integral formation and prepares Temporary Professed Sisters for lifelong commitment and mission
It is a continuous, lifelong process by which we grow in fidelity to our vocation after initial formation. It involves a sustained commitment to deepening our relationship with God, interior freedom, human maturity, community life, and apostolic effectiveness. In essence, Ongoing formation enables us to continually renew our consecration, live our vows with integrity, and witness authentically to the Gospel throughout our lives.
