The O'Donovans were walking down Canal Street in Dublin, and coming in the opposite direction was Father O'Rafferty.
"Hello, there!" said the Father, "How are the O'Donovans? Didn't I marry you two love birds about two years ago?"
Mrs. O'Donovan replied, "Aye, that you did, Father."
"So, where are the little ones?" inquired the merry priest.
Mrs. O'Donovan blushed immediately glancing down at the sidewalk. Her husband said, "We haven't yet been blessed, Father."
"Well now, I'm going to Rome next week. I'll light a candle fer ya."
After enthusiastic expressions of gratitude, the O'Donovans and Father Rafferty happily parted.
Four years later--on the very same street--Father Rafferty saw Mrs. O'Donovan walking towards him.
"Well now, Mrs. O'Donovan," said the Father, "how are you?"
"Oh, very well," said she.
"And tell me," he said, "Have you any little ones yet?"
"Oh, my goodness, yes! We had three sets of twins, and last week we found out that another couple are on their way to us."
"Well, congratulations! Wonderful news, indeed! And, where would Mr. O'Donovan be on this fine day?"
"Oh," she said, "E's gone to Rome to blow out the darn candle!"
