No no no. Actually…
Jimmy Durante somehow slipped by the Swiss Guard and knocked on the door to the Conclave just as the results were anounced. He begged them to give him a few moments. Seems he wanted to make sure Roncali was the one, since his grandmother had always spoken well of him. Roncali had blessed her own grandmothers’ Rosary when she was in Rome on vacation. She had been praying for the elction of Roncali, and Jimmy overheard her pray “if he be the one, I shall never sin again !”
Jimmy loved his grandmother very much, and this was the driving force which led him to this crazy act. Surprisingly, Jimmy’s story touched the hearts of all in the Conclave, especially Siri. “Tell us more” he asked, and for hours Jimmy told stories of his grandmothers pious deeds throughout her life. Finally, around 2 am, Siri stood up and exclaimed “We must secure the soul of this pious woman we have learned of ! For by securing the soul of this woman with such certainty, we will secure our place along side her in Heaven as well !” All in the Conclave agreed, and it was decided since many there were exhausted from such a long day, and considering the hour, the election of Roncali would be conducted later that day after all had got some sleep.
Jimmy was advised of course, that he as they, were bound by silence on the doings of a Conclave, and that he not even tell his grandmother of this great working of the Holy Spirit.
Surely, Jimmy and all Holy Men there must accept this moment in the history of the Church as guided by the Holy Spirit. Siris last words to the Conclave and Jimmy were “God works in mystreious ways”. All nodded a silent yes, and then Jimmy asked Roncali what name he would choose.
And on the glorious day, the world met John XXIII. Now you know.
Jimmy “Schnozzola” Durante (1893-1980)
http://www.redhotjazz.com/JimmyDurante.jpg