The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

JESUIT NOVITIATE LEGENDS

DURING THE JESUIT NOVITIATE IN THE 1960'S, A NOVICE WAS
ON HIS HANDS AND KNEES KISSING COMMUNITY MEMBERS' FEET
DURING THE EVENING MEAL AS A SIGN OF PENANCE AND HUMILITY
WHEN THE SERVERS ACCIDENTLY DUMPED THE SOUP TRAY ON TOP
OF HIM. HE WAS PERFORMING A "CULPA" WHEN THIS OCCURRED.

Submitter comment: CULPAS WERE PUBLIC CONFESSIONS DURING DINNER PRACTICED IN
THE JESUIT NOVITIATE PRIOR TO THE SECOND VATICAN COUNCIL.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Date learned: 09-20-1984