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22. The formation of cloistered nuns is aimed at preparing them for total consecration of self to God in the following of Christ, according to the form of life ordered solely to contemplation, which is proper to their particular mission in the Church. (72)
Formation must influence the individual at the deepest level, aiming at involving the whole person in a progressive journey of conformity to Jesus Christ and to his total self-giving to the Father. The method proper to formation must therefore assume and express the character of wholeness, (73) educating to wisdom of heart. (74) Because it is aimed at the transformation of the whole person, it is clear that this formation never ends.
The particular requirements of the formation of those called to a wholly contemplative life are set forth in the Instruction Potissimum Institutioni (Part IV, 72-85).
The formation of contemplative nuns is primarily formation in faith, in which are found “the foundation and first fruits of authentic contemplation”. (75) Through faith the person learns to discern the constant presence of God in order to cleave in charity to his mystery of communion.
To a large extent the renewal of the contemplative life is dependent on the formation given to individual nuns and to the whole community, in order that they may reach the fulfilment of the divine plan by assimilating their specific charism.