Candidates who express their desire to become a Salesian Sister are accepted into the Formation Program in Bellflower, CA, where they are invited to spend specific times with the Sisters in prayer, recreation, retreat, and ministry to the young.
Candidates are taught many essential skills that help define what it means to become a Salesian Sister. Such classes may include the teachings of the Catholic Church, Salesian Spirituality, and community life. The classes help the candidate discern what it means to live in community, as they grow together in their faith, their love for Mary, and their understanding of God’s Call.
Because Italian is the common language of the Institute, knowledge of the language not only prepares the candidates for the Novitiate in Italy, but it empowers each young lady with the ability to communicate with the Salesian Family internationally.
The young women partake in weekly Formation classes with other candidates from various Religious Orders, engaging in discussions and sharing experiences of faith and community life,providing an educative experience that strengthens their unity with Church and broadens their sense of the Salesian charism.
Candidates acquire a deep sense of unity in prayer through active involvement with the local community, spreading devotion to Our Lady, Help of Christians. Moments of prayer with the Sisters provide real life experiences of the Salesian charism as a way of life.
