Each Monday during Lent Pray Tell offers some Lenten laughs.

A priest threw on his heavy full-length coat after a late Lenten Mass as he prepares to take the walk back to the rectory through the cold winter air. No sooner did he cross the street in front of the church when suddenly a young hooded ruffian approached him, helda knife to his face menacingly, and demanded his wallet.

The priest, not one to engage in needless conflict, nervously undid his coat to get his wallet and in the process, exposed his cassock and collar to the robber. The robber winced, dropped the blade to his side, and pulled off the hood of his coat to reveal his young face.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t . . . I didn’t realize you were a priest. Forgive me.”

“Of course,” replied the priest, still quite nervous. “Here, son, how about we have a cigarette and forget this whole thing happened?”

“Thanks, Father, but I’ve given up smoking for Lent.”

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Lent Jokes are too fast for me, I think I’ll have to abstain.

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Got some Lenten jokes for next Monday? Email them to PrayTell@csbsju.edu.