Farmation

With the motto "My soul glorifies the Lord," we the SMRA Sisters pursue a simple, communal lifestyle marked by shared prayer and joy.

Formation

The core objective of SMRA formation is to mold a sister in the imitation of Jesus Christ so that she can say, "It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me." Keeping this objective in mind, the sisters receive formation into the congregation through various stages (aspirancy, novitiate, temporary profession, and ongoing formation after perpetual profession).

ASPIRANCY

A vocation is a precious gift from God. When a young girl desires to know the SMRA Congregation and its religious life, we invite her to the “Come and See” (John 1:39) program. Through this program, she experiences the SMRA way of life while the congregation accompanies and observes her vocation journey. After the SSC results, suitable candidates are accepted as aspirants, always giving the highest importance to their free and personal choice. Aspirancy is the first stage of the initial formation of SMRA Congregation (Constitution Article 75).

The Goal of Aspirancy formation

The main purpose of Aspirancy is to build a personal relationship with the aspirants, accompany them in embracing the SMRA way of life, and prepare them spiritually and personally for the next stage of formation. It seeks to nurture their love for the Gospel, deepen their commitment to God, and foster a sincere desire to dedicate their lives to the service of others (Constitution, Art. 75).

Postulancy

Postulancy is a time of deeper discernment, preparation, and growth. An aspirant who faithfully responds to God’s call and is found suitable by the formation authorities may be accepted as a postulant. During postulancy, the person focuses on acquaintance, reflection, and preparation. Moreover, she seeks to make the Gospel the foundation and strength of her life, work, and relationships.

The goal of the postulancy program is

To assist in the human-Christian formation of the individual so that she can discover her call and respond with maturity.
To provide a clear concept about the congregation, charism, and apostolic work.
To acquire a positive self-identity.
To develop human and divine virtues, acquire moral virtues, and build a spirit of sacrifice.
To obtain sincerity, good habits, and a humble attitude.

Novitiate

The novitiate is the primary period of spiritual practice for religious life. Just like the silent, peaceful family environment of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph in Nazareth, the novitiate is a sacred and gracious time for practicing a prayerful life (Constitution Article 78). The purpose of the novitiate is to help novices understand the divine call more clearly and specifically in SMRA congregation. During the novitiate, novices will experience the lifestyle of the congregation and mold their minds and hearts by the inspiration of the congregation. At the same time, their decision and suitability will be tested" (Canon Law 646). Upon entering the novitiate, a novice begins to live just like a member of the congregation. This time is a crucial period; during this time, the novice makes the decision to respond to the call of life by knowing God's will in her life and molds her own life to live the life of a consecrated person.

Formation for the Junior Sisters

The formation of SMRA junior sisters continues in apostolic and consecrated communities under the guidance of designated authorities so that sisters can progress towards maturity through a balanced integration of religious life and apostolic work. Significantly, sisters are given hands-on experiences in communities and opportunities for study, training, and practical experience in order to acquire necessary qualifications for apostolic work, considering their merits and community needs.

The Goal of Junior sisters’ formation

SMRA junior sisters’ formation aims at encouraging and leading the sisters to live out the Gospel by surrendering their will to the Father to carry out mission. In addition, formation enables them to find apostolic endeavors that complement their individual gifts or charisms. Specifically, their experience of the realities of community life, deepen their SMRA identity, and value the witness they bear to the crucified Christ.

On-Going Formation

Ongoing formation in religious life is a continuous, lifelong process of personal, spiritual, and professional transformation that begins after initial formation (solemn or perpetual profession). Goal of the ongoing formation

Spiritual Growth: The goal of the ongoing formation of the S.M.R.A. Congregation is to deepen one’s commitment to Christ and to realize the mission to which they are sent.
Integral Development: Balancing human, intellectual, affective, pastoral and community dimensions of life through various training and renewal courses according to age for the next phases.