Testing a vocation to belong with a Religious Order certainly is not for the for the faint-hearted. It takes longer and is often far tougher than the testing for a priestly vocation. Religious Orders come in a wide variety as the core of both being professed [taking vows for life] and living under a rule of/for life are lived out. The first step is to talk at length with a Spiritual Director and to undertake some retreats at a variety of orders guesthouses. Once a sense of vocation begins to emerge you can begin to make contact with the order you have a sense of calling with. IF the Novice Gaurdian and other sisters sense you MIGHT belong with them you spend time as an Aspirant - one who aspires towards and asks questions. It is during this stage many choose not to take things further or perhaps seek with the help of another Order that may be a better match. Only when there is a clear sense of calling to a religious life discerned can a person be admitted as a postulent and live with an order. It can take 10 years or so from admission as a postulent to taking life vows. From experience you do not escape the world by living with even an enclosed order of Sisters. Imagine being stuck in some surreal world where you have to love and share the last bit of jam with the most irritating member of your church 24/7 and you will understand its far from easy! Someday's I can be heard to say parts of my rule through gritted teeth.
Upvote
0
