A Roman Catholic priest is on his way to Rome when he comes across an old boyhood buddy. “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.”