Retirement Dinner

> A priest was being honored at his retirement dinner after 25 years in the
parish. A leading local politician and member of the congregation was chosen
to make the presentation and to give a little speech at the dinner.
>
> However, he was delayed, so the priest decided to say his own few words
while they waited:
> 'I got my first impression of the parish from the first confession I
heard
here. I thought I had been assigned to a terrible place. The very first
person who entered my confessional told me he had stolen a television set
and, when questioned by the police, was able to lie his way out of it. He
had stolen money from his parents, embezzled from his employer, had an
affair with his boss's wife, taken illegal drugs, and gave VD to his
sister.
I was appalled.
> But as the days went on I learned that my people were not all like that
and I had, indeed, come to a fine parish full of good and loving
people.'...
>
> Just as the priest finished his talk, the politician arrived full of
apologies at being late. He immediately began to make the presentation and
gave his talk:
>
> 'I'll never forget the first day our parish priest arrived,'
said the
politician. 'In fact, I had the honor of being the first person to go to
him
for confession.'
>
>
> Moral : Never, Never, Never Be Late