CHAPTER IV NOVITIATE Purpose of Novitiate 171The novitiate is the fundamental initiation of the candidate to the religious life and is also a probation of his intentions and suitability for the Congregation. During the novitiate, the candidate arrives at a more profound understanding of his own vocation and is strengthened in it, forming always a more intimate bond of friendship with Christ and embracing a way of life that is proper to the spirit and character of the Congregation. (D 122-126) CM 50 Erecting, Transferring, and Suppressing a Novitiate 172Having obtained the consent of his Council, the Superior General, by means of a written decree, erects, transfers, or suppresses a novitiate house. CIC, can. 647 § 1 Place of the Novitiate 173 For the validity of the novitiate, it is required that it should be completed at a house properly designated for this purpose by law. CIC, can. 647 § 2 Exceptions to the Place of the Novitiate 174In particular cases and by way of exception, the Superior General, with the consent of his Council, has the right to grant permission for a candidate to make his valid novitiate in another house of the Congregation under the guidance of an experienced priest, who acts in the place of the Novice Master. The Major Superior may permit a group of novices to stay for some time in another house of the Congregation or another place designated by him. CIC, can. 647 §§ 2-3 Constitutions—Part V 138
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