A wealthy businessman in a small town was known for two things: donating huge amounts to the church… and chasing women every chance he got.
One Sunday morning, looking nervous and sweaty, he rushed into the confessional booth.
“Forgive me, Father,” he whispered. “I think I’ve sinned badly.”
The priest sighed.
“My son, with you, that usually means very badly. Go on.”
The businessman said, “Last night, during the charity fundraiser, I was tempted by a beautiful young woman. One thing led to another… and we ended up in the hotel room upstairs.”
The priest groaned.
“Again?! How many times must we discuss this?”
The man continued, “But Father… that’s not even the worst part.”
The priest rubbed his forehead.
“Dear Lord… what now?”
“Well,” the man said, “about an hour later, another woman knocked on the door. Apparently, she had the wrong room number. But she was stunning too… and before I knew it…”
The priest interrupted, “You committed adultery twice in one night?!”
The businessman nodded sadly.
“Yes, Father. But there’s still more.”
The priest nearly fainted.
“There’s MORE?!”
The man whispered, “At around midnight, the mayor’s wife came by looking for her husband…”
The priest slammed his hand against the booth.
“That’s it! Stop talking! Your sins are giving me chest pain!”
There was silence for a moment.
Then the businessman quietly asked,
“So… what should I do for forgiveness?”
The priest thought hard and finally said,
“My son, take three candles, donate generously to the church, say ten Hail Marys… and avoid women for at least thirty days.”
The businessman sounded relieved.
“That’s all?”
The priest replied,
“No… there’s one more thing.”
“What’s that, Father?”
The priest sighed deeply and said:
“Next year… please sponsor the church fundraiser somewhere with fewer hotel rooms.”
