Today we celebrate Father’s Day and honor all fathers, who are called to reflect the love of God the Father in the care they show their children. While we think first of biological fathers, we also recognize grandfathers, godfathers, spiritual fathers, and the many men who serve as father figures in the lives of others. 

When children are young, fathers are entrusted with teaching and preparing them for adulthood. Most importantly, this includes formation in the faith, but it also involves guiding them in the practical matters of life. Fathers help their children grow in wisdom, responsibility, and confidence as they prepare to make their own way in the world. 

On June 13, the Church celebrated the Feast of St. Anthony of Padua, perhaps the best-known Franciscan saint after Francis himself. Although Anthony originally belonged to the Augustinian Order, he joined the Franciscans after being inspired by the witness of the first Franciscan martyrs. 

Anthony was highly educated, and as the Franciscan Order grew, the friars wished to learn from him. Yet Anthony would not begin teaching without the permission of Francis, his spiritual father. Sometime after the approval of the Franciscan Rule in 1223, Anthony asked Francis for permission to teach theology to the younger friars. Francis replied, “Brother Francis sends greetings to Brother Anthony, my Bishop.” By using this title, Francis acknowledged the important role theologians and teachers play in the mission of the Church. Francis then encouraged Anthony to teach, provided that study would never extinguish “the Spirit of prayer and devotion.” 

Having trusted God in the writing of the Rule, Francis also trusted God in allowing the Order to grow and develop organically. As a spiritual father, he guided with wisdom, humility, and trust. 

This week, let us give thanks for the fathers and father figures who guide us in faith and in life.