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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,
(wait for it...)
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.POPE SE-COLA!"

You know you're going to pass it on to Catholic and non-Catholic friends alike!
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