Identity Construction of Roman Catholic Religious Sisters in the ...

individual and other members who also experience, interpret and provide instruction for
understanding and living the charism; and thirdly, the individual and the action of the Holy
Spirit who grants grace to the individual to live out the charism (Ramano, 1994). It is from
this interaction that a new kind of psychic life springs up, binding together the members of
the congregation in solidarity with one another. In this way charism helps to create social
homogeneity among members, which Freud describes as identification with others arising
from interaction.
2.2.4 Religious life as a Discernment Process
Religious life is a call from God (PC #1). As a result, the choice to become a religious is
perceived as a response to God‘s call which is achieved through discernment. The candidate
must first listen attentively within herself to ensure that she is hearing the call clearly. She
then takes the next step; locating a religious congregation whose charism and spirit she feels
attracted to; she then makes contact with the congregation and advises them of her interest.
From this point onward the discernment is twofold: on the one hand by the congregation, and
on other hand by the proposed entrant, both parties working together to discover if God is
truly calling the candidate to the very lifeform of that particular congregation. The
discernment is done by initially accepting the candidate into the congregation and through
time/space as the candidate goes through initial formation. The formation period has different
stages. Each stage includes an on-going process of discernment before the candidate moves to
the next stage. At the end of the successful initial formation period, the candidate is permitted
to make the three vows of chastity, poverty and obedience; she becomes a more permanent
member of the congregation; she then prepares for final/perpetual profession. Apart from
discerning the call and membership to the congregation everyone who lives religious life is
continuously engaged in the process of discovering the will of God at every event in her life.
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