Father Manuel Julian Quiceno Zapata, of the Diocese of Cartago, Colombia, won the competition with this story, and was awarded a pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
As parish priest of a small village, I would often go out through the streets on Sunday, to greet people and give them a written catechesis, especially those who for different reasons did not go to church.
In the parish dedicated to St. Joseph, many had a habit that they fulfilled every Sunday without fail, as if it was a duty. This was to drink "some cold ones" -- as they called beer. Hence, it was easy to know where to find this type of "faithful," and he was also among them.
One day, when I finished my run, a lady approached me to ask me if I had recognized the "devil." According to her, I had greeted him and he had received one of the messages that I gave out.
I had not seen the "devil," or at least I don't remember having seen any woman or man who looked like him.
On another occasion I had to go to the neighboring village to help a brother priest, but the parish car broke down and so I needed someone to take me.
What was my surprise when on asking some persons who might help me with this service, a boy immediately said to me: "Father, if you like I'll call the 'devil' to take you."
You can't imagine what I thought at that moment. It seemed a joke, but then I accepted the proposal and that day I saw him for the first time.
I kept silent for a long time, as it was the first time I was making such a trip. Moreover, I thought, what can I talk about with the devil? Continue reading.
No comments:
Post a Comment