Formation

Formation is to the members of the Sons of Mary Mother of Mercy Congregation an on-going and life-long process, extending to every aspect of their personality and life. In the process, they become aware of the work of God in their heart and spirit so as to discern the reality of this conviction of being called by Him to the religious life.

PRE-NOVITIATE PERIOD (Postulancy)

The Objective: The period evaluates the maturity of the candidates and prepares them to make a sufficiently free and responsible decision to embrace the life of the Sons of Mary Mother of Mercy Congregation in the Novitiate. It is an opportunity for the candidates to discern their vocation to the Congregation of Sons of Mary Mother of Mercy.

THE NOVITIATE

“Speak, Lord, for thy servant hears” (1 Sam 3:9). The Objectives: 

(a) the purpose of the Sons of Mary Mother of Mercy novitiate is to give the novices a greater understanding of their divine vocation in general and of their vocation to SMMM Institute in particular.

  (b) The novice master shall discern and test the vocation of the novices and gradually form them to lead the religious life according to the charism of Sons of Mary Mother of Mercy Congregation.  

(c)During this initiation period, novices are to attain these specific objectives to a reasonable degree:

(i) a life of union with Christ;

(ii) deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary;

(iii) the spirit and Charism of the Sons of Mary Mother of Mercy Congregation;

(iv) fruitful exercise of the evangelical counsels and a real spirit of apostolate and mission; and

(v) an adequate knowledge of SMMM Constitutions and the History of Sons of Mary Mother of Mercy Congregation (cf. Cc. 651–652 §2).  

(d) Admission has been granted freely by the Superior General and in accordance with the Constitutions of the Sons of Mary Mother of Mercy Congregation. 

 (e) The profession is made without influence of pressure, grave fear or fraud.  

(f) The profession is received by the Superior General personally or through a delegate. 
This Mercy is expressed in compassion, forgiveness and kindness.

PERPETUAL PROFESSION

“I trust in the steadfast love of God for ever and ever” (Ps 52:8).

1. Perpetual profession completes the period of initial formation, through which the member reaches an appropriate level of autonomy and spiritual maturity to enable him to accept and carry out the responsibilities of his vocation in the Institute. 

 2. It is proper that before the members pronounce their perpetual vows, they have reached the degree of spiritual maturity required in order that the religious state to which they are committing themselves may really be for them a means of perfection and greater love, rather than a burden too heavy to carry. “Let those who make profession of the evangelical counsels seek and love above all else God who has first loved us (cf. 1 John 4:10) and let them strive to foster in all circumstances a life hidden with Christ in God (cf. Col. 3:3)” (PC 6).