Two Catholic Boys

[Violator22]

There were two Catholic boys, Timothy Murphy and
Antonio Secola, whose lives parallel each other in
amazing ways. In the same year Timothy was born in
Ireland, Antonio was born in Italy.

Faithfully they attended parochial School from
kindergarten through their senior year in high
school.

They took their vows to enter the priesthood early in
college, and upon Graduation, became priests.

Their careers had come to amaze the world, but it was
generally acknowledged that Antonio Secola was just a
cut above Timothy Murphy in all respects. Their rise
through the ranks of Bishop, Archbishop and finally
Cardinal was swift to say the least, and the Catholic
world knew that when the present Pope died, it would
be one of the two who would become the Next Pope.

In time the Pope did die, and the College of Cardinals
went to work. In less time than anyone had expected,
white smoke rose from the chimney and the world waited
to see whom they had chosen.

The world, Catholic, Protestant and secular, 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 the 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."