A novice is one who having been regularly admitted into a religious order, and already confirmed in higher vocation by a certain period of probation as a postulant, is prepared by a series of exercises and tests for the religious profession; this period is known as the novitiate. The institution of a time of trial to prepare the religious candidate for his future career is a very ancient one dating from at least the 5th century. No specific length of time for the novitiate is required by canon law; hence it varies with different orders.
This dictionary contains not only definitions and explanations of every subject in Religion, Scripture, tradition, doctrine, morals, sacraments, rites, customs, devotions and symbolism, but also accounts of the Church in every continent, country, diocese; missions, notable Catholic centers, cities, and places with religious names; religious orders, church societies, sects and false religions. It has brief articles also on historical events and personages, on the Old Testament and New, and on popes, prelates, priests, men and women of distinction, showing what the Church has done for civilization and correcting many errors which have hitherto passed for history.Wikipedia
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