A Candle in Rome

"A Candle in Rome"*

*There once was a husband and wife couple who, trying as
hard as they could, were unable to produce little children.

After consulting everyone who would listen to their problem,
they were still unsatisfied. Finally, they consulted their family priest.

"My children," the priest began, "The Lord will listen to
your prayers, and I am sure that you will be blessed with
children shortly. In fact, I am planning a stay in Rome, and
while I am visiting the Vatican, I will light a candle for you."

"Thank you, Father, thank you!" said the couple.

Before leaving, the priest turned and said, "I am sure
everything will work out just fine for you. My stay in
Rome will be for quite some time - 15 years. But when
I return, I will be sure to pay you a visit."

And so, 15 years came and went, and the priest
returned to the States. While resting on his porch
one mid-summer morning, he remembered the promise
of paying a visit that he had made 15 years ago. Upon
arriving at the residence of the two troubled people who
sought his council years previously, he rang the doorbell.
Sounds of crying and screaming children filled the air!

Overjoyed by the thought that their prayers had been
answered, he entered the house. More than a dozen
children filled the house from top to bottom!

In the midst of all the chaos, stood the wife.

"My dear," the priest said, "your prayers have been
answered! And where is your husband? I wish to
congratulate him too on your miracle!"

"He just left for Rome," she said in a very desperate tone.

"Rome? Why did he go to Rome?" asked the priest.

She hesitated, sobbed, and finally blurted out, "To blow out that candle!"
Received on Thu Dec 31 12:20:21 2009