Becoming Ordained as a Monk or Friar

Becoming a Monk of Madre Grande Monastery through the Monk Ordination process and joining the Paracelsian Order represents a profound commitment of effort and faith. It requires a willingness to be open, honest, and loving with both yourself and others, as well as the courage to undertake the often challenging and painful inner work essential for progress on your unique spiritual path. Joining the Order and community is a significant decision that should not be taken lightly or casually; however, this journey is not final or absolute. While residing at Madre Grande and transitioning into the role of a Friar or Monk, you are expected to adhere to the policies and rules of the Order and Monastery, but your true commitment is to your Highest Self and your personal Karma. You always have the choice to quit or leave whenever you feel the need.

An Aspirant is required to live at Madre Grande Monastery for at least six months and no more than one year before requesting admission into the Paracelsian Order as a Postulant Monk or Friar. Postulant Status serves as a kind of “training period” that allows the Aspirant to immerse themselves in life at Madre Grande, absorbing our teachings and methods of spiritual practice. This period also enables potential members and Monks to connect with one another, discovering a satisfactory and fulfilling place within our household and community. The Postulant status is divided into five degrees or Minor Orders, which are: Watcher, Outer Guardian, Lector, Inner Guardian, and Acolyte. Each Minor Order includes an initiation ceremony followed by at least six months of study and practice of the prescribed material. These initiations are designed to foster a mindful living process essential for personal growth and community stability. Additionally, they help align you with the Monastery and Order's purposes and operations. Postulants agree to uphold the five Paracelsian Principles, though they do not take them on as actual Vows. Completing the Minor Orders requires a minimum of two-and-a-half years and a maximum of five years, during which the Postulant participates in most business and policy meetings, ensuring that their opinions and ideas are solicited, considered, and valued, reinforcing their spiritual commitment.

Once the Minor Orders are complete, the initiate may apply for Monk Ordination to become a Novice Monk or Friar within the Paracelsian Order. This is the final stage before achieving the status of a professed, voting member of the Order. Attaining novice status requires one year of dedicated service and spiritual commitment. Novice Monks must live full-time at the Monastery, while novice Friars are required to make regular periodic visits.

After one year, with the verbal acceptance of all the Monks, a Novice may choose to undergo Monk Ordination and become a Simple Professed Monk by taking on the Vows of the Paracelsian Order for one year. 

Following one year of Simple Profession, a Monk may decide to retake the vows for another year of Simple Profession or choose to become Life Professed, with the verbal acceptance of all the Monks, by committing to the Vows of the Order for life. 

Each Order, including the Paracelsian Order, has its specific focus and practice, along with corresponding readings and teachings. Individuals are expected to complete the required reading and studies while bringing up any questions during group discussions or personal conversations with the Monks. Each Initiation represents a part of an ongoing spiritual commitment and is not finished after just one ceremony. Initiation does not equal fruition or completion, but is rather an entry into the stream.

A formal pre-written ceremony has been created for each Minor and Major Order within the Paracelsian Order, and can be used if desired. However, individuals are encouraged to adapt or create their own ceremony to reflect their personal preferences and cultural or spiritual tradition, especially in the context of their Monk Ordination or spiritual commitment. Self-created ceremonies should adhere to the Principles and Purpose of the Order. We have a list of salient points that must be included in the ceremonies, but the form and style of each ceremony is ultimately up to the individual. These ceremonies are intended to serve as bridges between our Divine Perfection and our human folly, embodying both formal and spontaneous elements, as well as serious and light-hearted moments.

Each ceremony for the Monk Ordination requires three essential objects, which it is the individual’s responsibility to acquire: a vestment (white robe), a cinture (rope belt of a specific color for each Degree), and an amulet (a symbolic tool for each Degree). 

Additionally, the individual must provide the ingredients for the Agape Ceremony: non-alcoholic wine (or juice), or water (preferably from the spring on the mountain), and bread. Cheese and fruit are also often offered to participants, although they are not necessary. 

Further details concerning the specifics of the various ceremonies and Initiations within the Paracelsian Order will be provided upon request. 

It is each person’s decision and responsibility to formally request (verbally or in writing) Initiation into each order within the prescribed time frame: from six months to one year for each Minor Order and at least one year for Novice or Profession. If an individual has not requested initiation into the next Order after one year, the Monks may seek clarification of intent and commitment. 

The Initiation process for the Paracelsian Order has been designed to guide individuals on their personal spiritual paths and to discern their commitment and compatibility with the Principles and Purpose of The Paracelsian Order and Madre Grande Monastery. We encourage each initiate to find their own path to spiritual fulfillment within the Sacred Circle of a mindful and loving community. 

Perhaps you will consider joining us in our collective endeavor.