This weekend, we celebrate Fathers’ Day. As the Church prepares for the Synod on the Vocation of the Family in the Church and the World this coming October, Pope Francis has been dedicating the catechesis at his Wednesday general audiences to different challenges facing the family today. Let us listen to Pope Francis’ words on the essential role of fathers:

“Every family needs a father. Nothing better expresses the pride a father feels when he sees that he has handed down to his child what really matters in life: a wise heart. A good father does not say: “I am proud of you because you are the same as me, because you repeat what I say and do”, but rather, “I am happy every time I see you act and speak with wisdom. This is what I want to leave to you: the capacity to feel and act, to speak and judge with wisdom and rectitude.” Wise and mature fathers know what it costs to hand down this heritage: how close, how gentle, how firm to be. But what consolation and what reward he receives when the children honour this legacy! It is a joy that rewards all the toil, overcomes every misunderstanding, and heals every wound. (…)

The first need is this: that a father be present in the family. That he be close to his wife, sharing everything, joy and sorrow, hope and hardship; and that he be close to his children as they grow. To say “present” is not to say “controlling”! Fathers who are too controlling cancel out their children, they don't let them develop. Everyone knows that extraordinary parable of the “prodigal son”, or better, the “merciful father” (Luke 15:11-32). What dignity and what tenderness there is in the expectation of that father, who stands at the door of the house waiting for his son to return! Fathers must be patient. Often there is nothing else to do but wait; pray and wait with patience, gentleness, generosity and mercy.

A good father knows how to wait and knows how to forgive from the depths of his heart. He knows how to correct with firmness, without weakness or sentimentality. Without the grace that comes from their heavenly Father, fathers lose courage. (…) The Church, our mother, is committed to supporting with all her strength the good and generous presence of fathers in families, for, like St. Joseph, they are irreplaceable guardians and mediators of faith in goodness, in justice and in God’s protection.”

A fine message to conclude this year’s series of “A Word from the Pastor”! From all of us here at St. Monica’s, best wishes and prayers for a restful and restoring summer, and renewed energies to serve Our Lord and one another throughout the coming year! Happy Fathers’ Day!