The path to living as a Benedictine nun in a convent is based on a well-considered and conscious decision. If you feel you are being called to a religious life and are attracted to this lifestyle, please feel free to contact the prioress. There will then be a series of meetings, followed by periods of experiencing life within the community in order to get to know one another; an initial personal examination will also assess the authenticity of your vocation to lead a contemplative life.
Once you have decided to live in the convent, your time as a postulant begins. For about a year you will live in our community and share the daily life with the sisters. This is an affirmation of your determination to be led in a gradual transition from a secular to a monastic way of life, with a special emphasis on human and spiritual training and the deepening of your baptismal promise.
Admission to the convent
If you are sure of your way into the convent, and the monastic community agrees, you will receive the monastic habit and a religious name, and you will begin your novitiate. During this period as a novice you will follow a more intensive course of formation in order to become more aware of your calling and objectives. You will be accompanied along your way and supported in the process of your personal vocation. You will immerse yourself more and more in the Benedictine way of life.
Then comes the juniorate, which requires the will and desire on your part to undertake the first commitment, as well as the agreement of the monastic community. As a junior, you will take the temporary vows of obedience, stability and conversion of life and bind yourself to the community for three years. In this period, you will be fully integrated into the life of the community, whilst continuing your spiritual, intellectual and practical formation.
Finally, after these three years as a junior, you and the community should have clarified whether you all want and are able to commit yourselves to one another permanently. If this is the case, you will make the solemn profession of lifelong vows; from that moment on you will have become a full member of the community.
If you are interested or have any questions do not hesitate to contact the prioriess Sr. Aloisia Steiner: +41 81 851 62 38.
