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Aspirancy begins when a young man is in communication with the Director of Vocations about the possibility of applying to the Province of St. Martin de Porres. This time allows the aspirant and the Director of Vocations to determine whether or not he is ready to begin the formal application process,
Aspirancy is a step of commitment which invites you to consider more seriously if our Lord is calling you to be a Dominican friar and to begin to understand more seriously just what the shift from your current life into religious life will entail, and whether this is truly a realistic option for you.
The length of aspirancy depends on the individual man, though a typical period of aspirancy is six to twelve months. Aspirants for the Dominican Province of St. Martin de Porres commit themselves to better prepare for the possibility of entering the novitiate.
The suggestions below will help in your discernment and ultimately help you grow in virtue and in your relationship with Jesus Christ.Attend a Come & See Weekend
Your time at the Come & See weekend at St. Dominic Priory and Studium will give you the chance to enter into the daily schedule and rhythm of a Dominican priory, to grow in your knowledge of the history and tradition of St. Dominic and the Order of Preachers, opportunities to meet and talk with the friars, both priests and student brothers, and the time to grow closer to our Lord in the Mass, the Divine Office, and adoration.
(click here for more information about the Come & See Weekend)Get to Know Us
In addition to attending a Come & See Weekend, aspirants are encouraged to visit other priories and communities in the Province of St. Martin de Porres through the Director of Vocations. It is very important that you begin to get a sense of who we are and what we do throughout our Province to best discern if our Lord is calling you to life in the Dominican Province of St. Martin de Porres.Grow in Prayer and in Your Spiritual Life
- In addition to Sunday Mass, attend Daily Mass
- Frequent the Sacrament of Reconciliation at least once a month
- Begin spiritual direction with a priest, preferably a Dominican priest if possible
- Develop a regular schedule of daily prayer
- The Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office), especially Lauds (Morning Prayer) and Vespers (Evening Prayer)
- Pray the Rosary daily
- Scripture (Bible) reading which could include Lectio Divina
- Spiritual reading (click here for some suggested reading)
- Eucharistic adoration
- Strengthen your spiritual life by joining one of the Confraternities below:
A man discerning a call to Dominican life conducts himself in such a way that is becoming of one aspiring to religious life.
- If you’re in college, be involved in the campus ministry and the liturgical life on your campus.
- If you’re out of college, register at a parish, contribute to the collection, and volunteer in the parish community.
- Prudently moderate your use of the internet, television, etc.
- Practice a healthy pattern of living: good diet, regular exercise, proper hygiene, etc.
Debt
It is the policy of the Province of St. Martin de Porres not to admit men with any personal financial debt. Educational debt is reviewed on a case by case basis. Particular circumstances need to be discussed with the Director of Vocations.
There are a number of organizations dedicated to helping relieve the debt of men and women applying to the priesthood and religious life. Both The Laboure Society and The Mater Eccelsiae Fund for Vocations have helped men pay off their debt and enter the novitiate.Application Criteria
Applicants must be between the ages of 20-40. Men desiring to enter must have a bachelor's degree in any field at the time of admission.Stay Connected
Get in touch with the Director of Vocations, Fr. Francis Orozco, O.P.Email at vocations@opsouth.org
Mobile (call or text) at (786) 452-3479
Facebook at fb.com/FrFrancisOP
Twitter at @FrFrancis
Instagram at instagram.com/FrancisOrozcoOP
Get in touch with the Province of St. Martin de Porres' Vocations OfficePhone at (504) 837-2129
Provincial Website www.opsouth.org
Vocations Website www.dominicanvocations.com
Facebook at fb.com/OPSouthVocations
Twitter at @OPsouth
Instagram at instagram.com/OPsouth