The Novitiate: A Time for Saying “Yes” to the Lord for the First Time

This is a special year during which the young man becomes a brother and receives the Franciscan habit. He deepens his vocation through prayer and community life. The novices are guided by a master whose mission is to illuminate their path through regular meetings where progress and setbacks are assessed. During this year, the novice discovers and studies the life and charism of St. Francis, the Rule of Life of the friars, the Constitutions of the Order, Church documents on Consecrated Life, Franciscan history, and the saints of the Franciscan family.

At the end of the novitiate, if the young man is ready, he takes his first vows, a simple profession for a period of one year. He commits to living the vows of obedience, poverty, and chastity alongside other brothers to live the Gospel in the manner of Saint Francis. This is the first “yes”!

Temporary profession of Brothers François-Xavier MUHIMUZI and Charles SUMAILI, March 20, 2023, in Lubumbashi

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Want to learn more about the novitiate?
Brother PALUKU NZUKI Faustin shares his testimony!