Assumption and Postulancy

As the Sisters are about their respective duties behind closed doors - in the refectory, kitchen or chapel - they may periodically hear, "scratch .... scratch, scratch, scratch." This familiar sound is our little dog's attempt at communicating with the Sisters on the other side of the door. It usually means one of two things: "I'd like to come in" or "I'd like to see what's on the other side." 

As every thing (and creature) in the world communicates something to us about the nature of God, our little pup communicates to us the eager spirit of the Aspirants to become Postulants - who, on this great Solemnity of the Assumption, we joyfully receive more deeply into our community. 

After a time of aspirancy passes, the Aspirants are received as Postulants and clothed in the distinctive garb of a Postulant of the Marian Sisters of Santa Rosa. The Postulant ceremony is special because it is when each Sister is placed under the protection and patronage of Mary, the Immaculate Queen, through investiture in the Medal of the Immaculate Conception (Miraculous Medal) which she wears over her heart as a sign of her consecration to Jesus through Mary.

The period of postulancy (derived from the Latin meaning "to ask") is a time for the Postulant to become familiar with and to assimilate as her own the way of life and customs of our community. It is her time to "scratch" or knock once more at the heart of the convent's spirituality, so she may enter more deeply into the life and learn the inner recesses of the community's charism. 

The young Sister begins sharing in the assignments and duties of the community, under the guidance of those more experienced in areas such as sacristy care, meal preparation, and care of convent property. She is shepherded into the spirit of Our Lady as she lived in Nazareth - working quietly, carefully, diligently, and above all - prayerfully. ​

She also joins in the studies common to the house of formation - courses in human formation, Scripture, various aspects of religious life, and the spirituality & prayer life of a Marian Sister, including Marian Consecration via St. Louis de Montfort's True Devotion. These studies combined with the living of the life allow the Postulant to integrate the life practically as well as intellectually and to further discern God's will for her life.

The time of postulancy is just the beginning of the Sister's religious life. However, even at the start, the Sister learns to keep her eyes fixed on the things of Heaven, as the Collect of today's Holy Mass prays, "Grant ... that by steadfastly keeping heaven as our goal we may be counted worthy to join [the Immaculate Virgin Mary] in glory." For if we keep our eyes fixed on God alone, we not only will be able to see what is on the other side of heaven's door, but  - as a Spouse of Christ - actually participate in heavenly realities here on earth. 

Not pictured: Sr. Maria Faustina

We humbly ask you to pray for our new Postualnts through the intercession of the Our Lady in the mystery of her Assumption. 

Postulancy Slideshow