An un-adulterated tale!
Whilst on a recent holiday to Turkey, my wife Sylvia and I met Betty & Jeff Cotton.
During a conversation we discussed our childhoods and upbringing and Betty asked if I had read
Have Your Say magazine. l had never heard of it before, Betty offered to send a copy on her return to England, which I have just received, and asked me to send you one of my childhood memories, so here goes:
I was seven years of age and quite a bright lad with an enquiring mind. Having just taken my 1st Communion at St. Pat's I was a little concerned with the fact that I didn't know what the word “adultery” meant. After all, it was one of the Top Ten Sins.
I'd asked my parents and they muttered something about waiting till I was an adult and to ask my teacher. I think at that time, it was Miss O'Brien, and she told me to ask the priest when he came round the schools.
The priest told me that it was something only bad adults did and that wasn’t: going to happen to me and not to worry about it.
The following Saturday I decided to make my confession at St. Edmunds church where no-one knew me.
"Bless me Father for l have sinned. It is one week since my last confession; I have sworn (under my breath) at my dad for clipping me around the ear for something I hadn't done. I have been fighting with Paddy Price and (deep breath!) I have committed adultery".
A long pregnant pause! Then the 'peep hole' opened "How many times?" The priest asked (I'll never know why).
"Six" I answered, (my favourite number) The peep hole closed. He must have thought I was a 23 year old person of diminutive height. I was given Absolution and my usual penance of three Hail Mary's and one Our Father.
During my penance, I remember thinking that - If adultery was no worse than fighting with Paddy Price, it wasn't worth bothering about.
A big thank you Betty and Jeff and congratulations HYS for a great magazine.
PS I am sending you a subscription cheque plus donation. Keep Up The Good Work!