The novitiate --  the second step in Redemptorist formation -- allows the candidate for religious life time for prayer and reflection so that he might correctly discern whether God is truly calling him to the vocation of Redemptorist religious life.

The novitiate program spans 366 days and runs without interruption or time off for holidays or vacations. The novice spends that year and a day studying and reflecting on the spiritual life, Redemptorist vows, history of the Congregation, its constitutions and statutes, and the lives of Redemptorist holy men, particularly St. Alphonsus Liguori, C.Ss.R., founder of the Redemptorists.

Those who successfully complete the novitiate, and are approved for profession, make their temporary vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, with a view to perpetual profession after a minimum of three years. From here they move onto Seelos House to complete their formation journey, either as Brother candidates or candidates for the priesthood.

The first Redemptorist novice in the United States was St. John Neumann, C.Ss.R. He made his “novitiate” in 1840. The first novitiate residence was established in Chatawa, Mississippi in 1874. 

To support Redemptorist vocations with prayers and gifts, go to Co-Redemptorist Association.