ATTEMPT TO OBTAIN ONE.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume IX, Issue 19, 7 May 1892, Page 486

ATTEMPT TO OBTAIN ONE.

• Did you know,’ a«ked the lawyer, * that the legal profession is the only profession that has no patron saint— at least none that it will own?’ ‘ What’s the reason for that ?’ I asked. * I don’t know,’ answered the lawyer. * Carelessness, I suppose. When the saints were handed around the representative who should have been present was probably arguing with the judge in another court.’ ‘What did you mean by “At least none that it will own ?” ’ I asked. * Many years ago,’ was the reply, *an Dish lawyer who was a fervent Catholic sought to provide his profession with a patron saint. So genuine was his desire for one that he travelled to Rome to consult the Pope. The Pope graciously received him. * “ Pray, Your Holiness,” said the Irishman, “grant the lawyers a patron saint.” ‘ According to t he story, which is a venerable one, the Pope looked over the list and found that there were no saints that had not been given to the other professions, at .which the Irish lawyer was ranch cast down. Observing his depression, the Pope bade him cheer np and then directed him to go to a church near by, to blindfold himself and to pass aronnd the interior saying Ave Marias all the time. * “And,” said the Pope,** the first saint you touch shall be the patron saint of your profession.” * Much gratified the devout lawyer went away to follow the instructions. He passed around the church praying. When he stopped he pnt out his hand. He was in front of the altar of St. Michael.

‘ “ Be thou the lawyer’s patron saint ?” he cried, and pulled off the bandage. Alas, he wasn’t touching St. Michael at all ! His band was resting on the devil under St. Michael’s feet.’