The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

JESUIT NOVITIATE CUSTOMS

THE FEAST OF ST. STANISLAUS KOSTKA IS CELEBRATED EACH YEAR
ON NOVEMBER 13TH. ST. STAN WAS A JESUIT NOVICE WHO TRAVELED
FROM HIS HOME IN POLAND TO ROME ON FOOT TO JOIN THE JESUITS
MUCH TO THE DISMAY OF HIS FATHER. ST. STAN DIED AS A YOUNG
NOVICE IN ROME, AND IS KNOWN FOR HIS STRONG DESIRE AND
HIS PERSEVERANCE. NOW IT IS A HOUSE CUSTOM THAT THE
YOUNGEST NOVICE PREACH ON HIS FEAST DAY.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT