Dear Parishioners:
Fathers' Day began around 1910 in the United States to complement Mother's Day. It is a day to celebrate fathers and Fatherhood. As the great poet William Wordsworth once said: "Father, to God himself, we cannot give a holier name."
On Fathers' Day, we honor our Fathers and pay tribute to their hard work, sacrifice, and love. Of course, this means giving gifts as a sign of our love. But I think the best gift to give any Father, living or deceased, is the gift of prayer. Therefore, we are offering all our Masses this Sunday for all Fathers.
Fathers' Day is also a day for us, especially men, to reflect on what it means to be a Father and how we are called to live Fatherhood. Father's Day is celebrated on March 19 in many Catholic countries on the Solemnity of St Joseph, the model for all Fathers. In his Apostolic Letter, Patris Cordes "With a Father's Heart," marking the Year of St. Joseph, Pope Francis wrote:
"Fathers are not born, but made. A man does not become a father simply by bringing a child into the world but by taking up the responsibility to care for that child. Whenever a man accepts responsibility for the life of another, in some way, he becomes a father to that person."
Fathers must provide for the spiritual needs of their children. A Father teaches and helps his children to pray. He brings his children to Mass faithfully and joyfully, teaching them to practice the faith. With a good Father as a model, children learn to love God, become faithful to attending Mass, and develop devotion to our Catholic faith. The English Poet George Herbert said: "One Father is more than a hundred schoolmasters."
There is a great need for good, faithful, and loving Fathers today. In our nation, millions of children live without a Father in the home. Strong, courageous, and caring Fathers are essential for family life. All children need a Father whose love is strong and sacrificial and who provides care, concern, correction, courage, and encouragement.
Patrick Ryan at Our Lady of Mercy.
As we celebrate Fatherhood on this Fathers' Day, we look forward to celebrating Patrick Ryan's ordination as a priest next Saturday, June 24. Patrick served a summer here at OLM and has been studying for the priesthood in Rome. Next Saturday at 10:00 am, at the Cathedral, Bishop Henning is to ordain him a priest of the Diocese of Providence. The new Father Ryan, will serve at St. Theresa's in Pawtucket with Fr. Barrow for the summer and return to Rome for further studies in the fall. Please pray for him.
The Ordination Mass is always a joyful celebration; everyone can attend. The new Fr. Patrick Ryan is celebrating his First Mass of Thanksgiving next Sunday at his home parish, Saints John and Paul, in Coventry at 2:00 pm. Father Connors is preaching at this Mass, and a reception follows. Everyone is most welcome to attend.
I hope to have the new Father Ryan back to OLM before he returns to Rome to celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving with us. We can celebrate the great gift of his priesthood and spiritual Fatherhood with him as we offer him our best wishes and congratulations in person.
Bishop Evans is ordained a priest on July 2, 1973 at St. Peter’s Basilica by then Bishop William Hickey.
June is traditionally the month for priestly ordinations in Providence. In fact, like Patrick Ryan twenty-eight years ago, I was also ordained a priest on June 24. Fr. Mahoney celebrated his 2nd Anniversary of Ordination on June 2. And Father Connors celebrates his 11th Anniversary of Ordination this Friday, June 23.
Fifty years ago, Bishop Evans was ordained a priest on July 2, 1973, in Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome. He will celebrate his 50th Anniversary with us on Sunday, July 2, at the 10:30 am Mass. All are invited to this Mass for his Golden Jubilee. A reception follows in Mercy Park. So please join us for this special celebration.
We wish all Fathers a Happy Fathers' Day and thank them for all they do. Gentlemen, enjoy your special day! We also offer our prayers and congratulations to Patrick Ryan on his ordination as a new Father next Saturday. Ad multos annos.
Summer officially begins this Wednesday, June 21. Summer typically means family vacations, beach days, golf outings, cookouts, and picnics. Enjoy the summer sun and warm weather, but please remember not to take a vacation from attending Sunday Mass! Be well. Do good. God Bless. Have a great summer! Go Sox!