Rosminian Formation in East Africa

Formation has long been a priority for the Rosminians in East Africa. We believe that vocations are a responsibility of each and every member of the institute; that each member should through his way of living promote vocations. Originally the Rosminians focused on the promotion of vocation largely in Tanzania, but in the recent years interest is been extended to Kenya and Uganda. Today we are proud to have members from all over the East African countries.

Postulancy

This is the period of formation which precedes admission to the Novitiate. During this period there takes place a mutual discernment between the postulant and the institute. The postulant is led to discover, with our help, what it means to conform oneself to Jesus Christ and to the Spirit of Fr. founder. On our part we try to asses his psychological maturity and the depth of his faith, as well as to understand whether God is calling him to the institute.

In 1978, the Rosminians opened the first postulancy in Gare. Later the postulancy was moved to Maramba and thereafter back to Gare. The postulancy remains in Gare today, located beside the Parish of Gare. The postulants study in Gare for one year, in a quiet and peaceful atmosphere for the spiritual and deep reflection.

Novitiate

Upon entering the Novitiate the candidate begins the Rosminian religious life. Like Antonio Rosmini, he is spiritualy called into discern God speaking tenderly to his heart. Here is one place where God will lead the novice to come to a profound knowledge of the self and a profound knowledge of the institute.

In 1984, our first group of novices went to novitiate in Maramba. In 1985, the novitiate then moved to Gare, which then in 1993 moved to Lushoto. The novitiate remains in Lushoto today. The novitiate house is nestled in the forest just over 2km outside the town of Lushoto. The novitiate usually lasts two years during which in-depth learning of Antonio Rosmini and the Rosminian way of life is accomplished.

International House of Formation-Ngong, Nairobi

The Rosminians initiated an international formation program in 1987 with a view of building an international Rosminian family while efficiently mobilising resources in formation. In 1987, we opened an international house of formation in Nairobi, where scholastics study philosophy and theology.

This way we work together to make the world a home for everyone.