chicot60
02-15-2016, 09:13 PM
IRISH OR ITALIAN ?
Two Catholic boys, Timothy Murphy
and Antonio Secola, whose lives paralleled
each other in amazing ways, were born the
same year: Timothy in Ireland, Antonio in Italy.
They attended school, kindergarten through
seniors in high school. They took their vows to
enter Priesthood early in college, and upon
graduation, became priests.
Their careers amazed all, but Antonio
Secola was a wee cut above Timothy
Murphy in all respects.
They rose through the ranks: Bishop, Archbishop
and finally Cardinal, swiftly. The Catholic world
knew it would be one of the two who would
become the next Pope.
When the Pope died, the College of Cardinals went
to work. More quickly than any had expected, white
smoke rose from the chimney: the world waited to
see whom they chose.
The world was surprised to learn that
Timothy Murphy had been elected Pope.
Antonio Secola was beyond surprise. He was
devastated,because even with all of Timothy's
gifts, Antonio knew he was a bit better qualified.
With gall that shocked the Cardinals, Antonio
Secola asked for a private session with them
in which he candidly asked:
"Why Timothy?"
After a long silence, an old Cardinal
took pity on the bewildered man
and rose to reply.
"We knew you were the better of the two,
but we just could not bear the thought of
the leader of the Roman Catholic Church
being called ... POPE SECOLA !
Two Catholic boys, Timothy Murphy
and Antonio Secola, whose lives paralleled
each other in amazing ways, were born the
same year: Timothy in Ireland, Antonio in Italy.
They attended school, kindergarten through
seniors in high school. They took their vows to
enter Priesthood early in college, and upon
graduation, became priests.
Their careers amazed all, but Antonio
Secola was a wee cut above Timothy
Murphy in all respects.
They rose through the ranks: Bishop, Archbishop
and finally Cardinal, swiftly. The Catholic world
knew it would be one of the two who would
become the next Pope.
When the Pope died, the College of Cardinals went
to work. More quickly than any had expected, white
smoke rose from the chimney: the world waited to
see whom they chose.
The world was surprised to learn that
Timothy Murphy had been elected Pope.
Antonio Secola was beyond surprise. He was
devastated,because even with all of Timothy's
gifts, Antonio knew he was a bit better qualified.
With gall that shocked the Cardinals, Antonio
Secola asked for a private session with them
in which he candidly asked:
"Why Timothy?"
After a long silence, an old Cardinal
took pity on the bewildered man
and rose to reply.
"We knew you were the better of the two,
but we just could not bear the thought of
the leader of the Roman Catholic Church
being called ... POPE SECOLA !