Minor Seminary /Aspirancy:
This stage of formation is situated
in two places in our province. One is located at Enikepadu, Vijayawada and
the other Berhampur Odisha. Since we have students from two civil states
namely, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha we also have two minor seminarians. The
most likely reason for having these two centers is the Language and to
accommodate and initiate a spiritual growth in one’s own culture.
The candidates usually spend three years at this stage of formation unless
one has joined us after the completion of Intermediate, graduation, or post
graduation. During this stage of formation one is initiated into the style
of religious living. They are expected to complete their academic studies
i.e., Intermediate during this stage. Added to that there are regular
classes by the formators on various subjects like, Franciscanism, Catechism,
Introduction to the Holy Bible, Liturgy, Spoken English, Grammar and
Phoenetics.
POSTULANCY
This is one of the preliminary stage of our
capuchin formation. A step ahead of entering into the novitiate, the golden
year of our capuchin life. "Candidates should prepare themselves interiorly
for the future renunciation of goods and condition themselves for the
service of all peoples, especially the poor." Capuchin Constitutions # 18:2
"The formation of Postulants aims primarily
at completing their catechesis in the faith and includes an introduction
to Liturgy, methods of prayer, Capuchin Franciscan instruction and an
initial experience of apostolic work. It must also reinforce and promote
human maturity, especially emotional maturity, and an ability to discern
the signs of the times in light of the Gospel" Capuchin Constitutions #
28:2
At present we have this postulancy house
situated at Mandadam.
Br. Lourdushowry : Rector
Br. Marianna : Vice-Rector
Br. Thambidas Durki : Member and incharge of the
field
NOVITIATE
The Novitiate is a period of more intense
initiation and of a deeper experience of the Capuchin Franciscan life of the
gospel in its fundamental demands, and it presupposes a free and mature
choice of the religious life.
The formation of the novice is based on the
values of our consecrated life, which are known and lived in the light
of Christ's example, the gospel insights of Saint Francis, and the sound
traditions of the Order.
The rhythm of life in the novitiate should
correspond to the primary aspects of our religious life, particularly by a
special experience of faith, contemplative prayer, fraternal living, contact
with the poor, and work.
Constitutions of the Friars Minor
When a postulant comes to the novitiate, he makes a short spiritual
retreat, is received in a private ceremony and begins life as a novice.
Religious life begins with the novitiate, the purpose of which is
to initiate the novice into the essential requirements of our way of life,
implementing the spirit of the Gospel counsels of celibacy, poverty and
obedience which he professes at the end of the novitiate.
The novitiate lasts for at least one year and may be extended but not
beyond another six months. The profession of the religious vows of celibacy,
poverty and obedience is made for a one year period in our province At
present as we do not have a novitiate of the province we send our novices to
other province, especially to Kerala and Tamilnadu.
Philosophical and Theological Formation
Vijnananilayam- Institute of Philosophy and
Religion hosts a great number of clerical and non-clerical candidates
for philosophico-theological formation. Our houses of philosophy (Brindisi
Bhavan) and theology (St. Francis College) are part and parcel of this
institute although they function as independent entities. Students of
various jurisdictions of Capuchins in India reside in our houses to
attend classes in the institute. A few candidates of other congregations
too reside in St. Francis College. Apart from our two study houses there
are number of individual houses of formation of various congregations.
There is also a diocesan formation house namely Vianney College, which
is entrusted to our administration by the diocese of Eluru. The
candidates of all these houses too attend classes in our institute.
Franciscan and Capuchin formation too is taken care of during the stage
of formation, which, of course, needs improvement.
The province of St. Joseph, Kerala continues to collaborate with us in
extending a helping hand in the smooth running of Vijnananilayam. Presently
we have 4 friars from St. Joseph Province assisting in the initial formation
in Vijnananilayam at Janampet. We do also have the collaboration of other
capuchin provinces and friars minor too. Br. Prasanan Paul from Kristu Jyoti
Province and Br. Reginal Furtado from St. Fidelis Province reside at
Brindisi Bhavan while rendering their service to Vijnananilayam. Br.
Singarayar Arputham OFM from Bangalore Province resides in St. Francis
College as he too teaches in Vijnananilayam. We are gladly awaiting and
hoping that there would be more collaborators in the future.
Post-novitiate formation and Regency
The post-novitiate formation is spread out to
six years. The brothers make their first profession only after five
years of formation. Two friars are appointed as directors of
post-novitiate and regency respectively. They accompany our brothers and
organize periodical meetings and evaluation. The intensive one month
post-novitiate programme organized for the three consecutive years and
the inputs and reflection on Franciscan themes help our brothers grow
and deepen the spirit they have imbibed at the novitiate. During the
period of regency brothers are sent to different fraternities where they
gain community experience, extend their service and grow in fraternal
life and prayer life. |