Ecclesiastics, chapter 3:9-10

The observance of Father’s Day as a national celebration began on the third Sunday in June 1922. A Spokane, Washington, woman had heard a sermon in church on Mother’s Day in 1919 praising the virtues of Motherhood. Her thoughts naturally wandered to the Father who singlehandedly raised her and her five brothers after the death of her Mother. She quickly approached the priest with the idea of a special day to honor Fathers and with the zealous support of the Mayor, the third Sunday in June was set aside as Father’s day.

An effective Father is a person marked by several special characteristics, each of which forms an integral part of his personality. There are Fathers and Fathers. Thus we recognize that a priest or a minister is a spiritual Father because of the spiritual and moral qualities they bring to people. Hence, today’s tribute to Fatherhood will emphasize some of the qualities that make Fathers special.
1. A Father must maintain his personal and spiritual integrity. What he is, is far more important to a child than what he does because what a Father is determines what he does. Attitudes determine actions. A good Father will have to resolve many tensions and trials in the home in order to pave the way for mature relationships, unity and harmony.

2. A Father must be able to communicate his love to his family. The greatest contribution a Father can make to his family is his love for his family. He must be willing to communicate this love for his wife and his children. A recent study conducted by Cornell University found that the average American Father spends only 37.7 seconds a day with his children. Spending time with children tells them that you feel they are more important than a job or many other things you would otherwise be doing.

3. A Father’s effectiveness depends on depth of character. God gives the power to be a successful Father because the qualities a good Father passes on to a child are primarily spiritual and moral. To affirm a child and build up his or her self-esteem; to overlook the hastiness and inexperience of childhood; to forgive; to respect freedom; to keep on living without giving in to anger or retaliation; to guide and discipline by example; these are qualities of a strong and effective Father–one who is committed to his family’s welfare in good times or in bad.

Let us thank God for the great men who are good Fathers in today’s society, and show them the love and respect they deserve. As scripture says: “Honor your Father in word and deed and with all patience that you may receive his blessing now and forever.”

Fr. Hugh Duffy