Immediate preparation for the novitiate
88.
Under ordinary circumstances the period of immediate preparation for the novitiate should not be less than six months in length and should be spent in a Salesian community.C 109
The details are to be laid down in the provincial directory.
C 110
89. The house of novitiate should be in contact with social and apostolic realities of the neighbourhood. If circumstances make it desirable, the novitiate may be established alongside another suitable community.
90. When the candidate considers himself ready and sufficiently prepared he makes his application to be in the novitiate.
To be admitted he must be free from the impediments listed in canon law [CIC can. 643-645 §1], show the aptitudes and maturity necessary for entering upon the Salesian life, and his health must be such as to enable him to observe all the Constitutions of the Society.
C 108
The eventual dismissal of a novice belongs to the provincial of the novitiate house.
91. Studies during the novitiate should be carried out seriously and follow a precise programme which forms part of the overall plan of studies. They should have as their overriding objective initiation into the mystery of Christ, so that the novice by means of contact with the word of God may develop a deeper life of faith and a loving knowledge of God.
C 110
A solid theological basis for the religious life should also be presented. The Constitutions, the life of Don Bosco and our traditions should be studied.
C 110
92. At an appropriate time at the beginning of the novitiate, and again before making vows, the novices are to make a retreat.
93. During the novitiate the novice may freely leave the Institute. If he remains he will be admitted to profession after he has made the necessary application and if he is judged suitable; otherwise he is sent away.
In special cases the provincial may prolong the novitiate, but not beyond a further six months in accordance with can. 653.
94. When a religious in perpetual vows asks to pass from his own institute to our Society, he must undergo a period of trial of at least three years duration in one of our communities, so that he may assimilate our spirit.
At the end of this time he may make formal request for admission, and if he is accepted may make his perpetual profession in accordance with canon law.
95.
Immediately after the novitiate all confreres must continue their formation for at least a two-year period in formation communities, preferably studentates.During this period the general philosophical and pedagogical formation is given, with an introduction to theology. Technical, scientific or professional training may also be commenced or continued with specific qualifications in view.
C 115
96. Practical training lasts ordinarily for two years and is carried out before perpetual profession in a community that can provide whatever is necessary for the validity of this experience.
97. Members who are preparing for the priesthood must receive, over a minimum period of four years, a more intense and specifically priestly formation in formation communities, preferably studentates.
They must attend seriously to theological studies, preferably in Salesian centres.
C 116
During this period they must not undertake duties or other studies that will interfere with the specific purpose of this formative phase.
98. In the phase which completes their initial formation following the practical training, lay Salesians must be afforded the possibility of acquiring a serious theological, Salesian and pedagogical preparation suited to their cultural level.
C 116
They should be engaged also, according to their talents, in studies aimed at their professional preparation in view of the apostolic work they will later carry out.
99.
Ongoing formation requires that each confrere develop his capacity for communication and dialogue; he should form in himself an open and discerning mentality and a spirit of initiative, and in this way conveniently renew his own plan of life.Each one should cultivate the habit of reading and the study of those branches of knowledge proper to his mission; he should maintain his openness to prayer, meditation, and to personal and community spiritual direction.
100. Let every confrere study with his superiors the field of further qualifications best suited to his abilities and to the needs of the province, giving preference to whatever concerns our mission.
He should preserve that availability which is characteristic of our spirit, and be ready for periodic requalification.
101. It is the duty of the provincial and his council to promote ordinary means and also extraordinary initiatives for spiritual and cultural formation.
Meetings of rectors, of pastoral animators, of economers and of other confreres should be occasions for deepening our Salesian identity in its educational and pastoral dimensions.
An attitude of ready acceptance should be fostered to formative opportunities offered by different organisms of the Church and of society.
Interprovincial initiatives should be carried out by the provincials concerned in agreement with the regional councillor.
102. All Salesians in their mature years should periodically be offered the possibility of spending an appropriate period of time for their renewal.
Provinces should take this need into account in their planning, and each confrere should respond to it for his own good and that of the community.