Former California Congressman Tony Coelho was prevented from becoming a priest in the 1960s--but not because of a lack of faith in God or a failure to keep his vows. It was on account of his epilepsy, which made him unfit for the priesthood, according to ancient canon law that viewed epilepsy on the same level as demonic possession. Though disappointed that he was not able to achieve his holy orders, Coelho went on to a career in politics and on Wall Street, and today serves as chairman of ICF Kaiser Inc., a Fairfax, Va., environmental-engineering company.
Coelho takes heart in...