Joining the Community
A call to join a monastic community comes from God. Some receive a very distinct, definite call. For others, it is not always so clear, and may take time to discern. Usually such a call is accompanied by a desire to give one's life totally to God, along with some attraction to monastic life. In our Order, even though there may be an attraction to the traditions or spirit of the Order, usually the call is to a specific monastery. For information, in Norwegian, please refer to our other site: .
 Beginning the Observership Process. |  PostulancyPostulancy is a period of around 6 to 9 months when you begin to seriously learn what monastic life is about. There are courses to take. You live with others in the novitate, You wear your own clothes. |  Introduction into Cistercian LifeHere we see a new postulant meeting an old monk who has been in the Order for many years. |
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 A Postulant receiving the Habit |  Another new novice! |  Receiving a few gifts on her day. |
 The NovitiateThe day you become a novice you receive the white religious habit. This is a serious two year preparation period before First Vows. |  First Profession of VowsAfter the Novitiate is finished, the novice makes her first Vows in a simple ceremony when she receives the black scapular and the leather belt. |  Solemn ProfessionAfter 3 to 9 years in simple vows, a person makes their definitive consecration to God in a solemn ceremony in the Church. |
 Receiving the Cowl.The Cowl is received at Solemn Profession and the nun is later buried in this same garment. Its long sleeves prevent anything except prayer! |  Changing the Veil.The superior now exchanges the white veil for the black veil: another sign of Profession. |  The Sister Newly Solemn ProfessedThe Sister is now fully a Cistercian Nun. |
 On-Going FormationCistercian formation and education is a life-long project. There are courses, and there is the everyday life of the nun, which is perhaps the greatest teacher of all. |  Silver Jubilee of ProfessionThere are moments in a nun's life which are particularly significant, such as the jubilees of her monastic profession, when she renews her vows. |
