Happy Father’s Day to all!

I know this is a special day for all fathers and those who assume the role of being a father. But for me, whenever this celebration approaches, it is hard on my part to celebrate Father’s Day because I lost my father at a young age. I was only twelve when he passed away. So much so that I missed him in my growing up years and those significant events in my life, especially when I was ordained as a priest. I imagine how he would be proud of me for who I am today, serving the Lord as a priest, just as he did serve the Church as lay in his capacity. He was the liaison of the bishop in the Diocese of Sorsogon, in the Philippines, into different pastoral projects. He was very active and always ready to be of service to anyone, until he got sick and eventually died due to one man being envious of him in his work. He deceived him by offering him wine during a festive celebration in the parish where my dad was working for a parish project. This man offered wine to my father who was unaware there was poison in it. My dad was sick for several months. He tried to fight for life for his six children; I was the oldest and our youngest was seven months old. He lost the battle and died. It was the most painful event that ever happened in our family. We were deprived of experiencing a father during our growing up years in our family. So today, every time I see a family with a father who is close to his children and enjoying each other, I kind of feel envious. And I say to myself how I wish I experienced that father-son relationship. I imagine how beautiful and happy our family would be if our dad was with us today.

And so, reflecting on Father’s Day, a few things dawn on me. First, the importance of the father’s role in the family. He is our strength, our model and defender. Of course our mothers play a crucial role in our development as well, but we cannot replace the value of the father and his role in our growing up years. How he supports us in our sports, in acquiring skills, in being responsible for all our actions and being a good person. Second, how a father would do anything to provide the needs of his family to the point of sacrificing himself, working so hard, waking up early to go to work, all for the love of his family. Third, how sometimes he would just keep within himself all the pains and struggles he experiences in raising his children or dealing with his workmates in the workplace and yet appear as if everything is okay.

With all that our fathers and those who assume the role of being a father go through and what they do for us, I believe they deserve an honor to show how grateful we are for all they do. We can show our appreciation in so many ways, either by spending time with them, hug them and have lunch or dinner, or just being a good son or daughter, treasuring all the things they have done for us. In that way, we give them honor and joy. I won’t be with you for the celebration of Father’s Day as I am with Bishop Malesic, accompanying him to the Philippines for the ordination of Bishop-elect Medil Aseo, but I will be remembering you in my prayers.