The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

JESUITS

THE YOUNGEST JESUIT IN A HOUSE IS CALLED THE BENJAMIN OF THE
HOUSE. IT IS HIS DUTY (PRIVILEGE) TO DELIVER A SERMON TO THE
COMMUNITY ON THE FEAST OF THE JESUIT SAINT, STANISLAUS KOSTKA.
ST STANISLAUS WAS ONLY A NOVICE WHEN HE DIED, AND SO IN HONOR
OF HIS YOUTH AND SANCTITY, THE PRACTICE OF HONORING THE
YOUNGEST MEMBER OF A COMMUNITY WAS BEGUN. THE CUSTOM HAS
SPECIAL SIGNIFICANCE IN HOUSES OF FORMATION WHERE THERE IS A
NOVICE COMMUNITY. THE FEAST IS ON NOVEMBER 13TH. THE INFOR-
MANT IS CURRENTLY THE BENJAMIN OF THE LANSING REILLY COMMUNITY

Where learned: DETROIT

Date learned: 09-20-1972