Every Father’s Day is special, even for those whose fathers are dead.  My father, Richard, died right before Christmas 1985.  Now, 33 years later, I still pray for him and say Mass for him.  The sacrifice of the Holy Mass I offer for him is the best thing I can do.  Not everyone can say a Mass.  But to have Mass said for our dead relatives is an important part of our ancient traditions.  The very first Catholics did this and 2000 years later this practice continues.  Sometimes, because my Dad is no longer here, it is easy to forget how important the day is.

Fathers have an awesome responsibility to protect and defend their families as well as support them and provide fatherly discipline and love.  The vocation of fatherhood is under assault and the way to stop the bleeding is through prayer and manly, Godly character.  I have always appreciated a strong fatherly figure in my life.  As your spiritual father, I try to be the same.  Strong fathers and husbands make for strong families.  As mothers are the heart of the home, so fathers are the spine.  St. Joseph is a great example to all men regarding honor, strength and tenderness.  Let us pray to him for courage to be strong, Godly fathers.  This in turn will be a great witness to a world so desperately in need of such examples.

May all our fathers be blessed this day and always.