This is a two year period that marks the canonical beginning of religious life.  In silence and solitude the novice is helped to have a better understanding of her divine vocation through intensive discernment; deepening one’s relationship with Jesus through meditation on the Word of God and prayer; learning and experiencing the life of the Institute and form her mind and heart in its spirit.  The forty days spiritual exercises at the beginning of this period is a great tool to set off in this journey.  The novice is helped to understand the meaning of the evangelical vows and to live them.  This enables her to make responsible choice and decision, ready to make the public profession of these vows at the end of this period.