Bolax having passed his ninth birthday, his mother thought it time he should make his first confession. Although well instructed and prepared for the great event, he had a dread of going to confession.
It was September 8th, the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin; Mrs. Allen called her boy and told him she had decided on taking him to see a Jesuit priest. Bolax was delighted with the trip to town, but when he got near the church he wanted to run away.
"Oh Mamma, dear," cried he, "I'll go some other time."
Notwithstanding his resistance, his mother compelled him to enter the church. As soon as the child caught sight of the imposing interior, with its Altars, statues and pictures, he seemed suddenly overcome with awe, his whole manner changed, and dropping on his knees, he whispered:
"Oh, Mamma, this is a very holy place! Oh, I can feel God right near me!"
One of the Fathers came down the aisle and entered the confessional; Bolax followed him without any compulsion, and seemed thoroughly impressed with the sanctity of the act he was about to perform.
There happened to be no other penitents, so the good Father came out of the box and spoke to the boy.
"So this is your first confession," said he. "Well, my child, God bless you, and keep your soul ever as pure as it is today."
Then turning to the mother, he spoke about the boy, saying:
"I am greatly interested in my little penitent, and I want him to write to me every two weeks, giving me a report of his conduct."