Father’s Day 2018

TODAY, June 17, 2018, we celebrate Father’s Day – a celebration honoring fathers and celebrating fatherhood, paternal bonds, and the influence of fathers in our society. In Catholic Europe, since the Middle Ages, it has been celebrated on March 19, the Solemnity of St. Joseph, the foster father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The celebration of Father’s Day was brought by the Spaniards and Portuguese to Latin America, where March 19 is often still used for it, though many countries in Europe and the Americas have adopted the US date, as well as the Philippines, which is the third Sunday of June. The celebration complements similar celebrations honoring family members, such as Mother’s Day, Siblings Day, and Grandparents Day.

The Father’s Day cealebration came to the Philippines in early 1980s under the influence of American holidays and celebrations. The idea of honoring fathers began in Spokane, Washington. A woman named Sonora Smart Dodd thought of the idea for Father’s Day while listening to a Mother’s Day lecture in 1909. She wanted to celebrate the day in honor of her father, William Smart, who had brought her up single handedly. Father’s Day was recognized by a Joint Resolution of Congress in 1956. Later in 1`972, President Richard Nixon announced a yearly Father’s Day celebration.

Filipinos celebrate this day with the great zeal and honor. It has become a day to not only honor fathers, but all men in general who act as a fatherly figure. On this day, children present flowers, greeting cards, and other gifts, and make their dad feel important.

Indeed, Father’s Day is an occasion to mark and celebrate the great contribution that fathers have made in our lives. We thank them for their efforts to raise families entrusted to their care. To this rock-solid pillar – to whom we cling during disasters, and one who usually gives great advice, guidance, and strong encouragement, thank you very much for giving up everything even yourself for the sake of your children.

Happy Fathers Day!