A chance encounter between a Roman Catholic priest and an old friend led to a remarkable series of events. The priest, on his way to Rome, ran into Mary, a childhood acquaintance, and was met with a mix of warmth and concern. Mary shared with him the struggles she and her husband, Robert, had faced in trying to start a family, with 15 years of unsuccessful attempts.
Moved by their plight, the priest offered to light a candle for them in the great cathedral in Rome, hoping that this small gesture might bring them some comfort and solace. After a warm reunion, they parted ways, and the priest continued his journey. Five years went by, and the priest had long forgotten the encounter, until one evening, when he received an unexpected visit from Robert.
Robert’s arrival was met with astonishment, and his news left the priest speechless. Mary, it turned out, had not only become pregnant but had gone on to have two sets of twins, a pair of triplets, and was now expecting quadruplets. Overwhelmed with joy and gratitude, Robert handed the priest an all-expense-paid trip to Rome, but with a humorous twist. It wasn’t a thank-you gift, but rather a chance for the priest to “blow out that damn candle,” bringing an end to the remarkable, and somewhat overwhelming, series of blessings that had befallen the family.
