Formation Programme for the Noviciate in the Congregation of The Sisters of Divine Providence
Date
2005-04
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Tangaza University College
Abstract
It is a challenge to accompany a young Malawian woman in the Formation
process. As Gerald Arbuckle puts it: "Formation is a journey of discovering Christ
in oneself, one's community and the world of cultures." I It is an inward journey
granted by God as a gift, a journey to wholeness, to God Himself. It is a big
challenge to the Formator to accompany a candidate into the formation process, who
aspires to become a Religious in the Congregation of the Sisters of Divine
Providence, to form a candidate into a mature, honest, free and responsible woman
who has respect for and is attentive to the needs of others especially the poor.
The following is a proposed Formation programme, which I think would
meet the needs of a formator as well as a candidate for the Congregation of the
Sisters of Divine Providence. I begin with the purpose of Formation according to the
church documents and the factors, which affect Formation in the Congregation of
the Sisters of Divine Providence in Malawi.
The project is divided into topics which must be addressed in the Formation
programme but they should not be seen as consecutive units because the process is
spiral and topics will be regularly revisited.
The first topic on Human Development aims at helping the candidate to grow
in self-knowledge, self-awareness and self-esteem in order to be receptive and grow
in faith. Topic Two is based on Church doctrine. This shall help the candidate to
know more about the teachings of the church and grow in faith as her member. Topic Three is about prayer; the aim is to help the candidate to make an inner
discovery and deepen her relationship with the Triune God. Topic Four: is Scripture;
to enable the candidate to read and pray the scripture and to discover God therein.
Topic Five is Religious Life and the Vows. The candidate should know the history
and the purpose of Religious life and to be able to discern if her vocation is to
Religious Life. Topic Six is the Spirituality of Sisters of Divine Providence and their
Charism. Again the candidate should be able to discern if her call is to be a Divine
Providence Sister. Topic Seven is Formative community and practical experience.
The aim is to develop self-confidence, self-dignity and a sense of belonging.
Everything that happens in the Novitiate should be part of Formative
process. Therefore the process includes all activities and exercises both theoretical
and practical, which happen in the Novitiate community.
Description
Keywords
Noviciate, Formation Programme, Purpose of Formation, Factors affecting Formation, Human maturity, Religious Life and the Vows, Charism and Spirituality of the Sisters of Divine Providence, Human Development, Church Doctrine, Formative Community and Practical Experiences