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- Before beginning the novitiate, aspirants shall complete five full days of retreat.
- The novitiate begins when this is intimated by the legitimate superior, in accordance with n. 174. Notice of intimation and affiliation (nn. 267, 268) must be registered in the book of admissions (see Appendix n. 6) and signed by the novice and two witnesses.
- The novitiate lasts at least one year. The year can be interrupted or divided into parts as the provincial chapter decides, but the entire novitiate must be completed within two years. One or more periods for formative activity may be spent outside the novitiate community to complete the novices’ formation. In all these matters, the prescriptions of CCL 648-649 shall be observed.
- Should a doubt exist about a novice’s suitability at the end of the novitiate year, whether the year has been continuous or interrupted, the prior provincial can extend the time of probation but not beyond six months.
Constitution
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