Each friar’s journey of initial formation and growth in the Capuchin order is unique to him, but in general it takes about five to eight years before a friar can commit himself for the rest of his life as a Capuchin Franciscan. A friar takes simple (temporary) vows right after novitiate and then renews them for at least three years before he can apply to take solemn (perpetual) vows.

You don’t really know if you are ready for a lifetime commitment when you first leave novitiate, let alone when you enter postulancy. You have to continue discerning what God wants of you, with prayer and in conversation with your formation advisors and your spiritual director. You do need at least three years after novitiate to truly know if this is the life for you.