Father's Day

Father’s Day is approaching fast, just a few more days until the greeting cards, phone calls, neckties and other gifts from children, nieces, nephews or grandkids begin to descend on our homes. This is a very special day for all fathers, as it reminds us of the great blessing that it is to partake with God in the creation of new life.
Fatherhood is all about love. Jesus gave us “the great commandment” when responding to the scribe in the Holy Gospel (Mk 12:28-30):  “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.”
Being a father starts with being a son. We are all sons of God, who out of love created the universe and mankind, and who out of love sent His only begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in Him might not perish but might have eternal life. So let’s offer God on this Father’s Day the gift of gratitude for His great love toward us, and let’s do our best to love Him back the way He commands us: with all our hearts, minds, strength and souls.
Father’s Day is a good occasion to think about St. Joseph and his example of obedience to God and dedication to Mary and Jesus, and of all those parents who out of love for life have adopted children and are raising them as their own. On this day we should also honor our priests, who through their marriage with the Church have adopted us as their spiritual children; who day in and day out are preoccupied about our spiritual wellbeing and who, as good fathers, provide us with the bread of eternal life.
This day gives us the opportunity of remembering those men who acted like fathers to us, those through their example and caring counseling were integral in forging our characters as Catholic Christians.
Many of us have experienced the loss of our fathers, or haven’t been able to enjoy their presence in many years, for they stayed behind in our native soil when we journeyed to the U.S., searching for a better and safer future for us and for our children. They are always in our hearts, and their intercessory prayers give us the strength to keep pursuing the ideals of prosperity and liberty.  
The office of Hispanic Ministry of the Archdiocese of Mobile wishes a happy Father’s Day to all fathers and father-figures. May God bless you all.
— Deacon Hector J. Donastorg, is the Director of Hispanic Ministry for the Archdiocese of Mobile. He may be emailed at [email protected]