After the intense period of the Novitiate, the candidate may be accepted by the community to make their First Profession of Religious Vows.  The vows of chastity, poverty and obedience according to Constitutions of the Discalced Carmelite Nuns are made in a private community ceremony.  The period of the juniorate lasts for at least five years, before being admitted to the definitive commitment of Solemn Vows.

“The general purpose of temporary profession is to give time for the progressive development in the young professed of their capacity for self-formation, both as regards their spiritual life and personal study.  The commitment of the simply professed to the evangelical counsels will grow deeper and stronger as it is lived out in the realism of daily life throughout these years” (Ratio Institutionis Monialium OCD #83).  The Junior Professed Sister is to enter fully into the life of the community at this time and use these final years as a preparation for the definitive commitment of Solemn Vows.