Fatherly authority

“The divine fatherhood is the source of human fatherhood” (CCC 2214).

As we celebrate “Fathers’ Day” today, let us help our human fathers imitate St. Joseph. “He was head of the divine household on earth with, as it were, fatherly authority; he has the church dedicated to his loyalty and protection. Such a person possesses so surpassing a dignity that no honor exists which should not be paid him” (Pope Leo XIII).

We honor fathers who have become responsible, loving, and a good example to their children. They need to multiply so that more and more families may live in respecting and protecting each other, and so glorify our Father in heaven, the source of unity and strength of our human family.

We pray for fathers who have been led astray and have become unfaithful, abusive and irresponsible. They need enlightenment and guidance that they may be awakened to renew, and so return to fulfill in living out their vocation.

St. Joseph, pillar of families, pray for us!