Praising All Types of Fathers

In the U.S. today it’s Father’s Day. I’ll call my Dad tonight – even though in Australia, Father’s Day isn’t celebrated until August. Why we have two different dates I’m not sure.

Anyway, at the Spirit of St. Stephen’s Catholic Community this morning the following by Kirk Loadman was shared. As you’ll see, it’s a very beautiful prayer/reflection, and I share it here at The Wild Reed in honor of all fathers and father-figures. Oh, and Happy (American) Father’s Day, Dad!

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Let us praise those fathers who have striven to balance the demands of work, marriage, and children with an honest awareness of both joy and sacrifice. Let us praise those fathers who, lacking a good model for a father, have worked to become a goof father.

Let us praise those fathers who by their own account were not always there for their children, but who continue to offer those children, now grown, their love and support. Let us pray for those fathers who have been wounded by the neglect and hostility of their children.

Let us praise those fathers who, despite divorce, have remained in their children’s lives. Let us praise those fathers whose children are adopted, and who love and support has offered healing.


Let us praise those fathers who, as stepfathers, freely choose the obligation of fatherhood and earned their step children’s love and respect. Let us praise those fathers who have lost a child to death, and continue to hold the child in their heart.

Let us praise those men who have no children, but cherish the next generation as if they were their own.

Let us praise those men who have “fathered” us in their role as mentors and guides.

Let us praise those men who are about to become fathers; may they openly delight in their children.

And let us praise those fathers who have died, but live on in our memory and whose love continues to nurture us.

– Kirk Loadman

See also the previous Wild Reed posts:
A Mother’s Day Prayer
Happy Birthday, Dad