A Priest was being honoured 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 was asked to say a few words in the

meanwhile. Not being prepared to speak then, he wondered for a minute and

then decided to share his experience on the first day in the parish to

highlight how one should not rush to conclusions.

'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 neighbour. 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 honour of being the first person to

go to him for confession.'

Moral : Never, Never, Never Be Late.