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The
postulancy is a period of further experience of personal goodness and
tranquility by initiation and progressive adaptation to monastic life,
learning new skills (farming, woodworking, machine repair, etc...)
and growth in virtue. Many postulants will experience a sense of wonder at the beauties of the place and community. At times this can even be a bit overwhelming. He may also feel, "finally I am living the way I have desired and been called to live!" The bond developed with other men in formation and the novice director, the realization of many new truths about the world and oneself all provide great joy. However, the postulant also meets sufferings. He begins to realize the truth of his past ( his sinfulness and the sufferings he encountered). Further, the devices and distractions he used in the past to deal with them no longer seem to work or be available. He also begins to have a growing awareness of the faults of the community. However, through the guidance of the novice director, these sufferings enable the postulant greater experience of reality, in its truth, and foster humility. |
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Fr. Paul Mark Novice Director | ||||||||||
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Observer | Goal:
Further discernment Procedure: Living the full monastic life, regular spiritual direction, and study. Time: One year |
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Postulant | |||||||||||
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Novice | |||||||||||
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Junior | |||||||||||
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Do not be daunted immediately by fear and run away from the road that leads to salvations. It is bound to be narrow at the outset. But as we progress in this way of life and in faith, we shall run on the path of God's commandments, our hearts overflowing with the inexpressible delight of love.
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Practices
and Observances (which foster the spiritual experience of
the postulant) 1. Lectio Divina 2. Manual Labor 3. Opus Dei (Work of God) 4. Community life, creating physical and affective separation from the world. 5. Introduction to elementary christian and monastic doctrine, monastic history, liturgy, scripture, basic church teachings. |
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| -[vocations] godseeking@newclairvaux.org -[monastic life retreat] mlr@newclairvaux.org ---[address & phone] | ||||||||||||
| Abbey of New Clairvaux P.O. Box 80 Vina, CA 96092-0080 ----(530) 839-2434 |
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