A priest (the head honcho who was often in demand at political events) was being honored after 25 years in the parish. However, he was delayed so his second-in-command, decided to say a few words while everyone waited.



"I got a bad impression from the very 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 had stolen a television and, when questioned by police, was able to lie his way out of it. He went on to say 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, he continued, "as the days went by I learned that all people were not like that and I had, indeed, come to a fine parish full of good and loving people." Just as the father finished his talk, the politician arrived and apologized for being late. He then immediately began his presentation.



"I'll never forget the first day our parish priest arrived," said the politician-priest. "In fact, I had the honor of being the first person to go to him for confession."



(Moral : Never. Never. Never be late.)