Becoming a Carmelite Nun

‘I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me’

— GAL 2:20

There are five stages to formation which ordinarily takes 9 years (or up to a maximum of 12 years). These periods are the same for all contemplative orders under ‘Cor Orans’ (2019), the Implementing Instruction of Pope Francis’ Apostolic Constitution ‘Vultum Dei Quaerere’ on Womens’ Contemplative Life.

ASPIRANCY (1-2 YEARS)

This is a precious opportunity for the enquirer to discern if the stirrings of her heart are indicating it is God’s will for her to serve Him in Carmel. It is a chance for her to get to know us, and for us to get to know her. After an initial enquiry she may be invited to stay in the guest accommodation and meet some of the Sisters. At this stage there is also the possibility of a live-in experience for up to three months.

POSTULANCY (1-2 YEARS)

She may then apply to enter the Community as a Postulant. She follows the everyday life of the community, giving both her and the Sisters a chance to see if she has the capacity to live the demands of our way of life. She is guided through the formation process by the Novice Mistress and Prioress, to help her make the adaptation to the religious life, and imbibe the spirituality of our Order.

NOVITIATE (2 YEARS)

If she still feels drawn to Carmel, and is considered suitable, the woman may request to be clothed in the habit of the Order. This inaugurates the two-year novitiate, which is the official beginning of life in the Carmelite Order. Vocational discernment continues as she learns to follow in the footsteps of Jesus in this particular way, whilst also following a programme of formation, in which she will learn about Sacred Scripture, Liturgy, the Rule and Constitutions, Monastic History, the Vows, Carmelite Spirituality and Prayer. She is free to leave at any time.

FIRST PROFESSION OF VOWS (5-8 YEARS)

She can then ask the Community if she can make her First Profession of the vows of Poverty, Chastity and Obedience for three years. At this point she puts any property she may have under the administration of someone she trusts. By these public vows, though only made for a limited period, in the intention of her heart the Sister hands over her whole life – her time, energy, and talents are consecrated by the Church to God, for the benefit of the Church and the whole world. By these vows she chooses to follow more closely the way of life that Jesus Christ chose for Himself. She renews these for a further two years, as the discernment process consolidates, and assimilation of the life continues and further deepens. She may be dispensed from temporary vows at any time.

FINAL PROFESSION

After at least five years she may then request to make Solemn Profession of her vows. These are for life. At this point the Sister relinquishes her capacity to own goods. All her life is given to God. Formation (that is conformity of our person to that of Jesus Christ) carries on throughout the Carmelite’s life, aided and nourished by the Sacraments, the Word of God, the support of her Sisters, in companionship with Jesus, and with Mary as Mother and guide.