Chapter Iii—austerities

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One is a postulant for two years at least, often for four; a novice forfour. It is rare that the definitive vows can be pronounced earlierthan the age of twenty-three or twenty-four years. TheBernardines-Benedictines of Martin Verga do not admit widows to theirorder.

In their cells, they deliver themselves up to many unknown macerations,of which they must never speak.

On the day when a novice makes her profession, she is dressed in her handsomest attire, she is crowned with white roses, her hair is brushed until it shines, and curled. Then she prostrates herself; a great black veil is thrown over her, and the office for the dead is sung. Then the nuns separate into two files; one file passes close to her, saying in plaintive accents, “Our sister is dead”; and the other file responds in a voice of ecstasy, “Our sister is alive in Jesus Christ!”

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