Understanding Postulantship in Religious Orders

Postulantship is a term used in some religious traditions to describe the period of time between the initial application to enter a religious order and the final vows that seal one's entry into the order. During this time, the individual is known as a postulant and is undergoing a period of formation and discernment to determine their suitability for the religious life.

During the postulantship, the individual is given opportunities to learn about the religious order, its teachings, and its way of life, and to discern whether they have a genuine calling to this particular order. They may also participate in various activities and exercises designed to help them grow in their faith and understanding of the religious life.

The length of the postulantship can vary depending on the religious order and the individual's circumstances, but it is typically several months to a year or more. At the end of the postulantship, the individual makes first vows, which are temporary promises to continue their formation and to live according to the rules and practices of the order. If all goes well, they will later make final vows, which are lifelong commitments to the religious life.