In 1975 a decrepit old French bachelor farmer went to his village church and asked his parish priest to hear his confession. The priest agreed and told him to go ahead.
The old farmer says, "Bless me, Father, it is thirty three years since my last confession...." Interrupting him, the priest said in very severe tones, "Thirty three years!!! Why, what has caused you to leave it so long, my son? I hope you have a very good reason?"
The old farmer took a deep breath and continued, "Well, Father, in 1942, during World War Two, I was milking the few cows I still had at my farm one day when a gorgeous young woman appeared in front of me like a vision from Heaven. She was absolutely terrified, Father, completely out of breath, said she was in the Resistance, and she promised my anything I wanted if I would only hide her from the Nazis who were hunting for her. So I agreed and locked her in the secret compartment in my hay loft. I was the only one who knew of its existence."
"But, my son, that is most commendable of you. There's no need to confess to such an act of patriotic kindness, though?" Says the priest.
The old farmer then blurts out, "Oh but there is, Father! You see, she was so irresistibly attractive, that not only did I agree to hide her in my hay loft's secret compartment, but I gave into my lustful thoughts about her, and decided to take her up on her offer by demanding regular sexual favours from her for shielding her from the Nazi scum! May God and France forgive me! I am so ashamed, Father! That is why it has been thirty-three long years since my last confession! I could not allow myself to go to my grave with such a heinous crime on my conscience!!"
"But", Replies the priest, "It is a medal you deserve, not shame or punishment! Our Lord, in His kindness and understanding, will indeed forgive you, my son. I have no doubt that the young lady herself would have agreed that God in His Heaven would have conferred His forgiveness on you for saving her from the Nazi hordes, and that surrendering the pleasures of her body to you was but a tiny token on her behalf for your brave and selfless service to France! So, go now, and let your conscience trouble you no more. I absolve you from all sin."
The old farmer starts to leave the confessional, but then hesitates and says, "Father, can I ask you something else?"
"Certainly, my son," Intones the priest, "What is it?"
The old farmer mumbles, "Should I tell her the war's over?"