Catholics and non-Catholics may use the same terms but mean different things. This story shows what can happen when meanings conflict.
An English lady was looking for a room to rent in small town in central France, and she wrote the town’s schoolmaster to see if he could recommend one. He wrote back describing several. When she had made a selection, the lady made preparations to move. Then she realized she hadn’t checked to see if the room she rented had a private W.C., so she wrote back to the schoolmaster asking the location of the W.C.
The schoolmaster’s English was good but not perfect, so he asked the town’s parish priest if he could help. Together they tried to determine what the acronym W.C. stood for. They finally concluded that W.C. (British for “water closet” or toilet) must mean Wayside Chapel. With that, the schoolmaster wrote the lady the following letter:
“Dear Madame,
“I take great pleasure in informing you that the W.C. is situated three miles from the house you will occupy, in the center of a beautiful grove of pine trees surrounded by lovely grounds. It is capable of holding 229 people and is open on Sunday and Thursday only.
“As there are a great number of people who visit the W.C. regularly, and since they come early during the summer months, I would suggest that you arrive early, although there is usually plenty of standing room.
“You will no doubt be glad to hear that a good number of people who walk to the W.C. bring their lunches and make a day of it, while others, who can afford to, travel by car and arrive just in time. (I would especially recommend that your ladyship attend on Thursday when there is a musical accompaniment.) There is a special section reserved for children so that they will not disturb the concentration of their elders.
“My wife is in poor health so, as you can imagine, it pains her greatly that she cannot go more often.
“It may interest you to know that my daughter was married in the W.C., and it was there that she first met her husband. I can remember the rush there was for seats, ten people to a seat usually occupied by one. It was wonderful to see the expressions on their faces.
“The newest attraction is an ornate bell donated by a wealthy resident of the district. It rings every time someone enters the W.C. A bazaar is to be held to provide padded seats, for the people feel it is difficult to sit for over an hour on such a hard surface. The acoustics in the W.C. are excellent; even the most delicate sounds can be heard by all.
“I shall be delighted to reserve the best seat in the W.C. for you, if you wish, where you will be seen by all. Hoping to have been of service to you, I remain,
“Yours sincerely,
“The Schoolmaster”