The vows are the same whether Simple (temporary, usually for a year or for three years) or Solemn (for life). Canon law requires that a religious order have a formation period consisting of at least one year of “novitiate” (initial formation and training, often two years and often preceded by a pre-formation period of “postulancy”). After the canonical novitiate, the religious can make Simple or temporary vows but cannot make Solemn, permanent vows for at least three years. Some orders have these temporarily vowed “junior” members make new simple vows each year, and some make one profession of three year vows. Simple vows can be extended, but after a certain amount of time religious will make Solemn, permanent vows.
I sincerely appreciate your response. And that is sort of what I thought. One more question. Can a certain order of Nuns or Sisters, take only simple vows and never take solemn vows?
