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 !