[[Hi Sister, is it possible to transfer from non-canonical status to canonical status? I've lived as a non-canonical hermit for the past 6 years and was thinking about applying to be recognized as a c 603 hermit. How long does the process take?]]
Thanks for writing and for your questions. Unfortunately, no, it is not possible to simply transfer to c 603 standing, especially from non-canonical standing or status. This is because one is seeking to move from the baptismal state to the consecrated state, and therefore to a state where the canonical rights and obligations (for which one must be prepared and into which one must be admitted via profession and consecration) differ significantly. You see, even if one had been a solemnly professed cloistered monastic for three decades and decided she wanted to become a c 603 hermit, she still could not transfer her vows to c 603. Transfers occur between equivalent forms or states of life and then, only with a three year probationary period.
The c 603 life must be mutually discerned and formed on its own terms before a diocese will agree to profess one. Also, it is not simply about being recognized or approved as a c 603 hermit. When one petitions one's diocese, one petitions to be admitted to the consecrated state of life and that requires profession (usually with temporary vows and then, several years later perpetual vows and consecration). One is not simply declared to be a c 603 hermit, nor recognized as one, one is made a c 603 hermit. That means that one is made ready to make public profession in a public and ecclesial vocation as a hermit living all of the elements of c 603.
Some of those self-identifying as non-canonical hermits will be more ready for this, and some will be less ready, but the process of mutual discernment and formation must still occur for a diocese to admit someone to profession and eventual consecration prudently. So, how long does this whole process take? Presuming no canonical impediments (marriage is the usual one here, but there could be others), once the hermit's "paperwork" (Sacramental certificates, decrees of nullity, transcripts, and autobiography perhaps) has been submitted a diocese will usually begin meeting with the candidate regularly. They may also ask a c 603 hermit to accompany the candidate to assist with discernment and formation. At some point, the candidate will submit a Rule of Life (this step is by far, the most time-consuming for the candidate). If that passes muster (or even if it has not yet done so), the diocese will request letters of recommendation and the hermit candidate will ask people to submit these to them. All of this can take several years, particularly if the person is a novice at eremitical life. Even if the person has lived alone for a long time this does not make them a hermit, and when they are a hermit, they may not have an ecclesial vocation.
I would encourage you to think in terms of several years to negotiate this process if one is a good candidate. (Only your diocese can help you know more explicitly.) If the diocese has significant doubts about one's vocation, or if they are clear the person is not called in this way, the process will be much shorter, particularly if there is a canonical impediment involved. My own experience is that so long as a diocese is willing to implement c 603 for a suitable candidate, they will not accept someone in a true process of mutual discernment and formation unless they have some sense they are dealing with an authentic ecclesial vocation. This is one reason they want to examine the person's paperwork before proceeding any further.
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