The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

JESUIT NOVITIATE PRACTICES

DURING THE JESUIT NOVITIATE PRIOR TO THE SECOND VATICAN
COUNCIL, "CULPAS" WERE OFTEN PERFORMED DURING THE EVENING
MEAL. CULPA IS A LATIN WORD MEANING "FAULTS". CULPAS
WERE PUBLIC CONFESSIONS MADE DURING DINNER IN FRONT OF
THE COMMUNITY. OFTEN THE CONFESSOR WOULD KISS THE FEET
OF CERTAIN COMMUNITY MEMBERS UPON FINISHING HIS CONFESSION
AS A SIGN OF PENANCE AND HUMILITY.

Submitter comment: THIS PRACTICE IS NO LONGER ENCOURAGED.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Date learned: 09-20-1984