Canon 457

1. In order that the novitiate be valid, it must last for three

full and continuous years, but in monasteries in which a temporary profession precedes final profession, one year is sufficient. 2. In every year of the novitiate, an absence of three

months, continuous or with interruptions, does not affect the

validity of the novitiate, but the unfinished time must be made

up, unless it does not exceed fifteen days. 3. The novitiate

shall not be extended beyond three years, without prejudice to

can. 461, 2.