Pope Francis and Fatherhood

"Nothing could better express the pride and emotion a father feels when he understands that he has handed down to his child what really matters in life, that is, a wise heart, It is a joy that rewards all the toil, that overcomes every misunderstanding and heals every wound." Pope Francis's words underscore the pride that every father feels when they see their children acting with kindness, charity and care for others. A father takes great comfort knowing that his children act from a heart filled with values that can get them through any situation. 

Being a parent today means navigating waters that are unchartered. While the course may be unknown, what is always constant are the values stemming from love, the foundation of every good and pure relationship. These values may appear to have nuances and current, trendy relevance, but the roots are always solidly based in God's love for each of us. Showing love means a million and one different things, but most of all its strong base comes from being fully present to a person no matter what. When a father is there for his children, he sets their direction, affirms their giftedness and challenges their lack of attention to the things that matter. A father teaches his children that love is more than a feeling—it is a verb that represents so many other important things in life like caring, forgiving, understanding, compassion and respect. A father does this daily in small ways, ensuring a solid foundation for his family to move through even the toughest storms.

Pope Francis reminds fathers: "That he be close to his wife, to share everything, joy and sorrow, hope and hardship, and that he be close to his children as they grow: when they play and when they strive, when they are carefree and when they are distressed, when they are talkative and when they are silent, when they are daring and when they are afraid, when they take a wrong step and when they find their path again."

Thank you, dear fathers, biological, adoptive or spiritual, for your constant, loving presence to your families. It changes the world.

 

 

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