Happy Father’s Day. The words of Pope St. John Paul II in his le er All Bap zed Chris an Adults, the true meaning of Chris an fatherhood: “Becoming Dad (and Mom) makes us more like God….all the bap zed, even though in different ways, are called to be a Father or Mother.” These words make a deep impression on all of us! We men es pecially must realize that we are called to embrace the role of “spiritual fatherhood.” The Pope goes on to write that Satan tries very hard to de stroy fatherhood by pi ng spiritual fathers against their children! In our own country, we see this happening almost every day. Government lead ers who are supposed to be like father figures to the people they serve, instead act selfishly. They even call people derogatory names. This can happen even with Church leaders who are supposed to show the love of Christ but become angry or abusive towards their people. Then there are the fathers of families who neglect their wives and children giving a poor example of fatherhood. What are we as spiritual fathers supposed to be doing according to God’s Will? We must listen to the thoughts and emo ons of those whom we serve; especially to the pain they might go through in their searching. It is not enough to advise them; we must also have affec on for them. Spiritual fathers are badly needed in the world and in our Church today. These men would be men of courage to show love and compassion. They would be proud of prac cing their faith, going to Mass, receiving Holy Communion and praying at Adora on. These are truly manly fathers. I remember one of my visits to our Franciscan mis sions in Guatemala. While the children came running up to me, calling me “Padre Sito,” (li le father), one li le boy clasped my hand and wouldn’t let go. We walked around the ball field, cha ed with the group, and the li le boy just quietly held onto my hand. I realized through this experi ence how much that child needed the love and presence of a father. I realized also how important for us Chris an men that we see ourselves as spiritual fathers. We are not perfect, but God does not care about that. He wants us to share in the work of the Holy Trinity, and to bring people like that li le fatherless boy into His love. We as fathers are called to change the pa erns in our culture of sadness and confusion into those of hope and goodness. What do you say my fellow men? Will you join me in becoming a spiritual father to somebody in need? If you are willing, God will surely bring someone to you, just like He brought that li le boy to me. ~ Fr. John