The second year is spent studying theology. Barrios and vigils In May of my candidacy year, for example, I took part in an immersion experience in the Dominican Republic, where our congregation has a number of native and North American sisters, as well as a formation program. My time in the Dominican Republic brought about my most dramatic adventures so far, but my formation period has been filled with new experiences that have taught me about myself, God's people, and the role of the church in our times. But in religious formation, exterior adventures such as these are only part of the equation. An even more dramatic and essential aspect of formation is the interior journey, the arduous trek from one's former identity to the new identity as a member of one's religious congregation.
Religious formation is a period of discovery.
I'm beginning to learn the significance of religious life in today's world, our role as public witnesses of the gospel values Jesus sought to instill in his disciples. My formation years have given me the opportunity to discover the heritage and charism of Saint Dominic and his followers. In religious formation, exterior adventures are only part of the equation. An even more dramatic and essential aspect of formation is the interior journey. A new attitude While taking on the new Dominican identity has been a joy for me, it's been much harder to let go of my old identity, my lifelong habits and perspectives.