Most people choose dogs or cats as pets, but few realize the delight that parrots, particularly ones that communicate, can provide.

Of course, what parrots say is simply a repetition of what they hear, but some words linger with them for a long time, and they are occasionally trained to say negative things.

“Father, I have a problem,” a lady informs her parish priest one day. “I have two female parrots, but they can only say one thing.”

“What do they say?” asked the priest.

“‘Hi, we’re prostitutes,’ they say. “Do you want to have some fun?” the woman said, blushing.

“That’s obscene!” “I can see why you’re embarrassed,” the priest said.

He paused for a moment before saying, “You know, I might have a solution to this problem.” I have two male parrots who I teach to pray and read the Bible. Bring your two parrots to my place, and we’ll put them in with Francis and Job. My parrots are capable of teaching your parrots to praise and worship.” I’m sure your parrots will soon stop saying that horrible phrase.”

“Thank you,” the lady said, “this may very well be the solution.”

She took her female parrots to the priest’s residence the next day.

As he led her in, she noticed his two male parrots inside their cage, clutching rosary beads and praying.

She stepped over and set her parrots among them, impressed.

“Hi, we’re prostitutes,” the female parrots cried in unison after only a few seconds. “Would you like to have some fun?”

A startled silence descended.

Finally, one male parrot turned to the other and exclaimed, “Put the beads away, Francis; our prayers have been answered!”