NOVITIATE Meaning and
Definition
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Novitiate is a noun that refers to a period or state of being a novice or probationary member in a religious order or congregation, particularly in a monastic or religious context. It specifically pertains to the initial phase of training and preparation for individuals aspiring to become members of a religious order.
In this context, novitiate encompasses a period of intense spiritual formation as novices undergo a process of discernment, study, and immersion in the rituals and practices of the order. It involves the novices living in close community with experienced members, commonly referred to as mentors or spiritual directors, who guide and instruct them in matters related to the religious life.
During the novitiate, individuals are introduced to the foundational principles, beliefs, and values of the religious order. They engage in prayer, meditation, and study of sacred texts to deepen their understanding of the order's traditions and way of life. Novices may also participate in various practical activities, such as manual labor or community service, which aim to develop humility, obedience, and a sense of duty.
The novitiate serves as a crucial period of discernment for both the order and the novices themselves. It allows the religious community to evaluate the candidates' suitability for long-term commitment, while also affording novices an opportunity to explore their own calling and commitment to the religious life. Successful completion of the novitiate typically leads to the taking of formal religious vows and the transition to the next stage of training or formation within the order.
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The state or time of being a novice; the time passed in a religious house, by way of trial, before the vow is taken.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for NOVITIATE
Etymology of NOVITIATE
The word "novitiate" has its origins in the Latin language. It comes from the Latin word "novitius", meaning "newly acquired". "Novitius" is derived from the verb "novēre", which means "to make new" or "to renew". In Catholic religious tradition, a "novitiate" refers to a period of training and probation for individuals who are newly entering a religious order or congregation. The term has been adopted into English to also refer to the initial period of training or learning in any new endeavor or organization.
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