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Hi, John —
Thanks for the question and sorry
it took awhile.
It's my understanding that until
you take vows with any religious
order you are under no obligation.
I think there are two types of vows,
one being solemn/life-long.
Within the Benedictine order, and
other Catholic religious orders,
if you are a candidate,
you are just "testing the waters" to
see if you can make a life-long commitment
as a Catholic religious.
It's a period of discernment for
you and for the order you will be
joining.
Remember, there is a key family element
involved here.
Catholic Religious take three vows:
- poverty
- chastity and
- obedience
If you are only a candidate, you
are under none of these obligations,
THOUGH you should have willingness
and capability to take theses vows
to the best of your ability, if you
indeed feel called to the religious
life.
I would highly suggest you talk to
the vocation's director or abbot
at the religious order for which
you are considering joining. He would
be able to best advise you.
Hope this helps,
Mike
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