While touring Europe, in Rome a man noticed a marble column in St. Peter's Square that had a golden telephone mounted on it.
Since a young priest was passing by, the man asked what the golden telephone was for.
The priest told him that it was a direct line to heaven, and if he'd like to make a call, it would cost a $1,000 ! !
The tourist was amazed, but politely declined the offer.
Throughout Italy, the tourist kept seeing the same golden telephone mounted on a marble column.
At each location, he asked about it - and the answer was always the same: It was a direct line to heaven @ $1,000 per call.
Then, the tourist stopped in Ireland on his way home to the US.
While touring in Ireland, the tourist decided to attend a mass at a small village's church.
When he walked in the door to the church, there it was - the same golden telephone as in Italy.
Underneath this phone, however, there was a sign stating: "DIRECT LINE TO HEAVEN: $0.25 "
Seeing this, the tourist went to the parish priest, and said: "Father," I have been all over Italy, and in all the cathedrals I visited, I've seen golden telephones exactly like this one - but the cost to use the phone was $1,000 everywhere !
Why is it that using this one costs only 25 cents ? "
The priest replied: " Faith and begorrah, Son, you're in Ireland - it's a local call."
A Happy St. Patrick's Day to all you leprechauns out there - and stay safe after attending any party !
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