Today we celebrate Father’s Day and we remember all fathers in a special way. As we know, Pope Francis has placed great emphasis and focus on fatherhood. Being a father is a great privilege and also a great responsibility. He encouraged fathers to look to Saint Joseph as their model. He stated, “Be close to your children, they need you. Just as Saint Joseph was close to Jesus in his physical, psychological and spiritual growth, you too must be guardians in age, wisdom and grace.” In another address, he expressed his hope that all fathers would strive “to protect their children and to teach them wisdom, faith and integrity.” He also prayed that fathers would “always experience our gratitude, appreciation and support.” He called on us to honor our fathers. Our love for our fathers should reflect the love that God has for all of us.

On this special day, we are also reminded that our priests are our spiritual fathers. Next Saturday, Archbishop Gregory will ordain four men to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Atlanta. In his first encyclical, Lumen Fidei (The Light of Faith), Our Holy Father in specifically addressing young people made an observation that certainly applies to young men who have answered the call to the priesthood. He stated, “Encountering Christ…gives a firm hope that will not disappoint. Faith is no refuge for the fainthearted, but something which enhances our lives. It makes us aware of a magnificent calling, the vocation of love. It assures us that this love is trustworthy and worth embracing, for it is based on God’s faithfulness which is stronger than our weakness.” As we reflect on these words, we are invited to welcome these new fathers as priests of this Archdiocese.

The following prayer attributed to a small Catholic Church in the Midwest humbly calls upon our Heavenly Father to bless and guide all fathers: 

 

GOD OUR FATHER, YOU GOVERN AND PROTECT YOUR PEOPLE
AND SHEPHERD THEM WITH A FATHER’S LOVE.
YOU PLACE A FATHER IN A FAMILY AS A SIGN
OF YOUR LOVE, CARE, AND CONSTANT PROTECTION.
MAY FATHERS EVERYWHERE BE FAITHFUL TO THE
EXAMPLE SHOWN IN THE SCRIPTURES:
STEADFAST IN LOVE, FORGIVING TRANSGRESSIONS,
SUSTAINING THE FAMILY, CARING FOR THOSE IN NEED.
GIVE YOUR WISDOM TO FATHERS
THAT THEY MAY ENCOURAGE AND GUIDE THEIR CHILDREN.
KEEP THEM HEALTHY AS THEY MAY SUPPORT A FAMILY.
GUIDE EVERY FATHER WITH THE SPIRIT OF YOUR LOVE
THAT THEY MAY GROW IN HOLINESS
AND DRAW THEIR FAMILY EVER CLOSER TO YOU.  AMEN.

As we reflect on this prayer, we are invited to thank our fathers for all that they do for us and for all that they mean to us. We can also thank our Heavenly Father for all the blessings He has bestowed on us.

Fr. Neil Herlihy