By Mary Sayad
By Mary Sayad
During the month of May, the month of Our Blessed Mother, we celebrated Mother's Day.
June is the month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. As a young child, I vividly call to mind the beloved hymn, "Holy God We Praise Thy Name", which was chimed from our local parish tower every evening after dinner. The entire neighborhood would hear its soothing, melodious hymn honoring God, our Heavenly Father.
This year we celebrate Father's Day on June 15th. All dads throughout the United States are honored and given special attention during this distinctive day of celebration. Most family men work hard to provide for their families and they also want their children to be happy, receive good educations and learn to be independent.
Fathers take their sons to ball games, coach them during their various sports, often take them to the movie theater, visit their grandparents, drop them off to their friends' homes or just hang out together watching their favorite T.V. shows. They strive to be good examples and when necessary, they correct their children.
There's also a guarded place in their hearts for their wives and daughters. While keeping a close watch on family affairs, fathers also maintain harmony. They are the strong family member who sustains us during times of crisis and when we need moral and/or financial support. Strong burly men may also be gentle and kind.
In an ideal family, mothers teach their children to love and respect their fathers. Perhaps not all families are ideal, however, most children are aware that their father loves them and is always concerned with their welfare.
The Sacred Heart of Jesus is exposed for us to see His tenderness, justice and love. Because he suffered to redeem all mankind, Christ's love transcends time and situations. Although we live in a neo-pagan world, and we are sinners, we are restored through Christ's sacrifice and His pierced Heart.
Men of faith are blessed because they see with their hearts and their faith expands their vision in life. A faithful man is the epiphany of God's Glory, for God's glory surrounds him with His light and guidance.
Gift giving demonstrates thoughtfulness and gratitude to all fathers and grandfathers. It's also fitting to remember all fathers today with prayers for health and spiritual strength.
Blessed Be God
Blessed be His Holy Name
Blessed be Jesus Christ, True God and true man
Blessed be the name of Jesus
Blessed be His Most Sacred Heart
Blessed be His Most Precious Blood
Blessed be Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar
Blessed be the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete
Blessed be the great Mother of God, Mary Most holy
Blessed be her holy and Immaculate Conception
Blessed be her glorious Assumption
Blessed be the name of Mary, Virgin and Mother
Blessed be St. Joseph, her most chaste spouse
Blessed be God in His angels and in His saints!
May you all enjoy a spectacular Father's Day! Remember all the fathers serving in the military and continue to pray for them and for world peace. They are our sons, our brothers and our fathers. They are precious and we love all of them. Thank you.
Your companion in prayer,
Mary