Anyone interested in entering Benedictine life at Marmion Abbey must go through the formation program headed by Abbot Vincent Bataille OSB. An applicant is expected be at least twenty years old. Older applicants are advised of the difficulties of adjusting to a life in the community after having lived many independent years. The ideal applicant is a lifelong, practicing Catholic. For those who are converts to Catholicism, a period of at least three years from their acceptance into the Church is advisable before deciding to enter the monastic life.

There are three stages to becoming a Benedictine monk: postulancy, novitiate, and juniorate. The entire program attempts to assess the candidate’s capacity for living out the religious vows and displaying fraternal charity within the regular round of monastic life. A vital component of the entire formation program is the development of a sincere and well-grounded understanding of the people and practices that have shaped the identity of Marmion Abbey.

Postulancy provides an orientation to community life and establishes a daily monastic routine that is conducive to spiritual, physical and psychological health. This stage usually spans two to six months. Prior to entry, an application is submitted including a medical examination, grade transcripts, individual recommendations and a personal essay presenting his reasons for entering Marmion. The postulant is expected to live the full monastic schedule. He will take a series of classes and work assignments to become familiar with the Liturgical Calendar, Abbey Customary (rules and customs of the Abbey) and the chants and recitation of the Divine Office. When it appears that he is making progress in the spiritual life, he is presented to the Monastic Chapter (monks in final vows) for permission to enter the community as a novice.

The novitiate stage is fixed by church law to one year, during which a schedule of classes is arranged and taught by the Abbot and Formation Director. An important element of the novitiate is the study of the vows, and the theology, history and requirements of monastic life. The novice is made aware of the obligations and privileges he assumes as a professed member of Marmion Abbey. Novices usually confine themselves to the monastery during this period. After one year, if the novice so petitions and the Abbey Council and the Chapter give their assent, the novice can enter the next stage of formation.

The three-year juniorate begins with the first profession of vows. During the ceremony of profession, the newly professed monk is given a new name in religious life. The junior monk meets regularly with the Abbot and Junior Master to discuss his ongoing formation and evaluate his progress toward profession of solemn vows. The junior monk is encouraged to attend schooling for ordination to the priesthood or other professional preparations. He can be assigned to a variety of jobs, including but not limited to teaching, music, barber, work in the tree farm and orchards, household duties and parish work.

At the end of three years, the junior monk petitions the abbot for permission to profess solemn vows. The Abbot and Junior Master make a presentation to the Abbey Council concerning the suitability of the monk to become a permanent member of Marmion Abbey. With their approval, he is presented to the Abbey Chapter for final approval. After taking solemn vows, all fully professed monks of Marmion continue the development of their monastic calling. A number of monks go on to be ordained to the priesthood. But for each person it is a deep spiritual decision which is guided by the prayer and faith of the community.

Anyone interested in receiving vocation information about Marmion Abbey can contact Father Abbot Vincent Bataille OSB at (630) 897-7215 ext. 334.