The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

A LEGEND OF MORTAL SIN

A BOY COMMITS HIS FIRST MORTAL SIN AND GOES TO HELL. AS THE PRIEST
IS PREPARING TO SAY THE FUNERAL MASS FOR THE BOY, SOME
INVISIBLE FORCE
SNATCHES THE STOLE FROM HIS HAND; AND A VOICE SAYS, "DON'T SAY MASS
FOR ME."

Submitter comment: THREE YEARS AGO, WHILE IN THE CONVENT, I HEARD THE INFORMANT TELL
THIS STORY DURING EVENING RECREATION. SISTER JOHN, A NATIVE OF
NEWFOUNDLAND, HAS BEEN POSTULANT MISTRESS IN THE WAUWATOSA PROVINCE
OF THE CARMEL OF THE DIVINE HEART FOR ALMOST TEN YEARS.

Where learned: SAINT JOSEPH CONVENT

Date learned: 00-00-1962