There were two Catholic boys, Timothy Murphy and
Antonio Secola, whose lives paralleled 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
wee 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 just 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!
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