Father’s Day Reflection
In this year dedicated to St. Joseph, Pope Francis offered his personal reflections on the fatherhood of St. Joseph in his Apostolic letter “Patris Corde” (With a Father’s Heart). He reflected on the life of Joseph under these descriptions of Joseph as:
A beloved Father
A tender and loving Father
An obedient Father
An accepting Father
A creatively courageous Father
A working Father
A Father in the Shadows
As we celebrate Father’s Day this year, might you see some of those same characteristics in your own father, or in the men who have served as a father figure for you? If so, let him know!
May I offer this prayer for parishioners who wish to pray this special day for their own father?
O God, Who in Your Infinite Wisdom and Divine Purpose,
Chose to have, here on earth, St. Joseph as your foster father,
Grant to my father that same strength of purpose,
Holy selflessness, firm faith and unfailing confidence in You, that was his.
Grant that he, like St. Joseph,
May persevere in goodness.
May he have the joy of your blessing in his old age,
And die full of years, comforted and united to You
To be received by You into life everlasting. Amen.
