This was told to me by an Irishman and I thought it was a cute story. ------------------------------------------------ Father O’Malley was the priest for a small parish in the west of Ireland. He was a popular and devout cleric and it wasn’t long before his name came to the attention of his superiors. One day he received a letter offering him a post at the Vatican. He would be the secretary to the cardinal. Although he would miss his flock he felt it was his duty to accept. Before he left Father O’Malley visited each one of his parishioners. Visiting the cottage of Patrick and Margaret he asked them if there was anything he could do for them once he had reached the Vatican. “Well, Margaret began, as you know we’ve been married for two years but still have not been blessed with any children.” Patrick continued, “If you could see your way clear, Father, could you say a prayer and light a candle for us at the Vatican?” “Consider it done, the good Father replied.” -------------------------------------------------- Ten years passed and Father O’Malley had returned to Ireland for a visit. He eagerly looked forward to seeing his former parishioners and catching up with news of their lives. Knocking on the door of Patrick and Margaret’s cottage he was met by Margaret. She was carrying an infant on her hip. A little girl had her arms wrapped around Margaret’s leg. The Father could see other children running and playing in the background. “Oh, hello Father!” Margaret smiled. “I see your prayers have been answered,” he replied. “Yes, Margaret said, we have eight children.” “Eight children in ten years! Oh my goodness, you’ve been blessed many times over,” Father O’Malley chuckled. “But…where is Patrick?” “Patrick?” Margaret replied, “He’s gone off to the Vatican to blow out that damn candle.”