After scolding him for his lack of self control, she told him to get on his hands and knees with his back to the classroom. She then lectured the class on the importance of remaining in our seats, and all the while she waved her wooden paddle in the air. I could see it clearly now-it was dark brown, not quite as long as her forearm, and about four inches wide. Finally turning her attention to Patrick, Mother Frances administered eight solid whacks in rapid succession, pausing only to hitch up her sleeve after the third stroke. By the fourth whack Patrick was whimpering, by the seventh he was bawling. As she paddled Patrick, Mother Frances scolded him, saying, “From now on (whack!) you will (whack!) stay (whack!) in your seat (whack!).”
Catholic School in New England4
