The Power of a Father’s Love: Honoring Earthly and Spiritual Fathers
- Faith Hakesley
- Jun 15
- 2 min read

+JMJ+ Father’s Day is a beautiful day to honor the men who have nurtured, protected, and guided us. Whether they are biological fathers, adoptive fathers, grandfathers, godfathers, or spiritual fathers, good, holy men leave an irreplaceable mark on our lives and on the world.
Sadly, not everyone has had the blessing of a good father. Some carry deep wounds caused by the absence, neglect, or even harm done by men who should have loved them. If this is your story, please know that my heart is with you. Your grief is real, and your longing for the love of a father is deeply human and deeply sacred.
While not all of us have experienced strong earthly fatherhood, we all have access to the love of our Heavenly Father. He is perfect, and His love is content and tender. Many of us have also encountered men who, though not our biological fathers, have become spiritual fathers—priests, mentors, teachers, or faithful men who have stepped into that role with wisdom, sacrifice, and love.
A true father (whether biological or spiritual) lives not for himself, but for others.
A real man lives with his heart, encourages with his words and actions, inspires by his faith, and leaves a legacy with his life.
A real man leaves a good and lasting impact.
This kind of fatherhood requires strength, not just of body, but of soul. It is not loud or boastful, but humble, faithful, and steadfast. Good fathers reflect something of the heart of God offering security, mercy, truth, and presence.
On this Father’s Day, let us honor and give thanks for:
• The faithful, loving dads who show up day after day with patience, sacrifice, and grace.
• The men who mentor, guide, and speak life into the hearts of the next generation.
• The priests who serve as spiritual fathers, offering us the sacraments and shepherding souls with courage and compassion.
• The memory of good fathers who have passed, whose legacy lives on in our hearts and lives.
• And yes, we pray even for the men who failed us. May God’s mercy may touch their hearts and bring healing to all they left behind.
If you are a father or a man called to spiritual fatherhood, know that your role is vital. The world needs you. The Church needs you. Your children (spiritual or biological) need you. Your presence matters. Your virtue matters. And your quiet, daily “yes” to God matters more than you know.
Let us lift up all fathers today and entrust them to the care of St. Joseph, the model of fatherhood, who lived with courage, humility, and unwavering trust in God.
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Happy Father’s Day to all the men who lead with love and strength. May you be richly blessed!
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