Mrs. Sonora Louise Smart Dodd is generally credited with organizing the first modern Father’s Day. It was celebrated on June 19, 1910, in Spokane, Wash.
When Sonora was 16, her mother died while giving birth. William Jackson Smart, a Civil War veteran, raised their newborn and five other children with fatherly love.
Sonora, the eldest child, admired the endless sacrifices her dad made so his children could live better. She worked for a Father’s Day to honor her father and other fathers.
St. John XXIII said, “It is easier for a father to have children than for children to have a real father.”
Responsible fathers leave eternal marks of love on both sons and daughters. The way that a father relates to his children’s mother can affect how his son or sons relate to other women.
Important role model
A good father is important as a male role model. Dad taught my two brothers and I much by sharing quality time. Together we hunted, fished, watched ball games, prayed, worshiped, and enjoyed each other’s presence. Passing on a hobby, a tradition, or values to children is a priceless gift.
Dad corrected me when I did wrong but in a gentle, caring way. His gentleness helped me relate to God as Father.
In No. 2205 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church it says, “The Christian family is a communion of persons, a sign and image of the communion of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
The Catechism calls the family the domestic church and the original cell of family life.
St. Joseph
St. Joseph is the patron saint of fathers. He was the model, guide, and teacher of Jesus, and he supported the Holy Family through the work of his hands. He shows us that the best gift that a father can give to his children is to love their mother as he loved Mary.
We have a graced opportunity to appreciate our dad on Father’s Day and every day.
If he is alive, we can visit him, share lunch, or call him. Perhaps the best way to honor him is to be the best son or daughter that we can be.
Fr. Donald Lange is a pastor emeritus in the Diocese of Madison.