23. For this purpose, the formative programme, inspired by the specific charism, takes on particular importance. It comprises, although they are clearly distinct, the initial years up to solemn or perpetual profession and the following years, which should aim at ensuring perseverance in fidelity for the whole of life. To this end, enclosed communities should draw up a suitable ratio formationis, (⁷⁶) which will become part of their proper law, after submission to the Holy See, with the prior deliberative vote of the conventual Chapter.

The cultural context of our time implies that Institutes of contemplative life should ensure a level of preparation suited to the dignity and requirements of this state of consecrated life. Monasteries should therefore require that candidates, before they are admitted to the novitiate, have that degree of personal, affective, human and spiritual maturity which makes them capable of understanding the nature of a life completely directed to contemplation in the cloister and likely to persevere. Individual candidates should be fully aware of the obligations proper to the enclosed life, and they should come to accept them during the first period of formation, and certainly before the profession of solemn or perpetual vows. (⁷⁷)

Study of the word of God, the tradition of the Fathers, the documents of the Magisterium, liturgy, spirituality and theology should constitute the doctrinal basis of formation, aiming at presenting the foundations of knowledge of the mystery of God contained in Christian revelation, “scrutinizing in the light of faith all truth stored up in the mystery of Christ”. (⁷⁸)

Contemplative life must always draw from the mystery of God, hence it is essential to give nuns the foundations and methods for a personal and community formation which is continuous and not restricted to occasional experiences.