“My goodness, Mary!” he said. “How have you been?” “Oh, could be better,” she admits. “My husband Robert and I have been trying to have children for fifteen years, but we are barren.” “I’m very sorry,” says the priest. “I’m on a pilgrimage to Rome, and I promise to light a candle for you in the great cathedral.” Mary thanks him, and they say their goodbyes after speaking for a while.

Five years later, the priest is eating supper when he receives a tap at the door. He opens it, and to his astonishment, it is Mary’s husband, Robert. “I’m so glad I found you!” he says. “Remember the light you lit for Mary years ago? Mary and I now have two sets of twins and a pair of triplets, and I just discovered she is pregnant with quadruplets!”

Robert then gives the priest an all-expense-paid trip to Rome. “Oh my, Robert!” exclaims the priest. “Your delight brings me joy. You did not need to send me a thank-you present.” “Oh no, it’s not a thank you,” Robert says. “It’s so you can blow out that damn candle.”