Families across the world celebrated Father’s Day last Sunday, honouring the love, strength, and guidance of fathers and father figures. From Holy Masses to special gifts, prayers, and quiet moments, the day was filled with joy and appreciation. Some children shared their experiences on how they celebrated their fathers, recognising the important role they play in building strong, supportive homes and shaping the lives of their children. BETTY AMUKPO reports
‘I celebrated Father’s Day by praying, honouring and thanking God for my Father’
I celebrated Father’s Day by praying, honouring, loving and thanking God for my Father. As Scripture teaches: “Children, obey your parents in everything” (Colossians 3:20), “Honour your father” (Exodus 20:12), and “The righteous who walk in integrity-Blessed are their children after them” (Proverbs 20:7). I also offered thanks to God for his guidance and care.
• Ogoke Chimamanda Anthonia
‘I celebrated Father’s Day using my dad as a point of contact to all amazing dads’
Father’s Day signifies the special bond between father and his children, although a father’s love is not dependent on a single day celebration, but it is a special day across the world to honour all those super dads who keep their children happy above everything. I celebrated Father’s Day using my dad as a point of contact to reach all those wonderful and amazing dads all over the world that God in His infinite mercy continues to guide, protect and provide for them because they are pillars of the family. Ephesians 6:4 states, “Fathers do not provoke your children, instead bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” Exodus 20:12 explains, “Children honour your father and mother that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.” Also, fathers show compassion to your children, the Lord shows compassion to those who fear Him.
• Umennadi Francis Chibunna
‘We had a little family party and presented gifts to my father’
Father’s Day is a day set aside for honouring one’s father, as well as fatherhood, and the influence of fathers in the society. We started the celebration by praying for my father and thanking him for all his sacrifices and love. Then we proceeded to the Church where the fathers actively took part in the Mass; they were the Altar servers, Church Wardens, Choir and the Lectors. It was fun and heartwarming seeing my father and other fathers serving God in truth and in humility (Proverbs 22:6). Immediately after the Mass, there was a reception in their honour to appreciate them for their contributions to the Church and society. On getting home, a sumptuous meal was already waiting for my father. We had a little family party and presented gifts to my father (Ephesians 6:1-3). May God the Father, bless and keep my father and all other fathers, so that they will live to see their children’s children and reap the fruits of their labour. Amen.
• Patricia Oche
‘Father’s Day is a special occasion to honour, appreciate and celebrate fathers’
Thank your father or father figure for their love, support, and guidance. “Honour your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land” (Exodus 20:12). Spend quality time with your father or father figure, doing activities you both enjoy. “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:32). Reflect on the love and sacrifices of fathers, just as God loves and sacrifices for us. Pray for fathers and father figures, asking God to bless and guide them. By celebrating Father’s Day, we show appreciation for the important role fathers play in our lives, mirroring God’s love and care.
• Awaki Barnabas
‘We spent time together, I prayed for his health and happiness’
I observed Father’s Day by expressing love and gratitude towards my father, as encouraged by Exodus 20:12. I valued the time we spent together and shared my appreciation for his guidance and support. Following 1 Timothy 5:8, I prayed for his health and happiness. His impact on my life has been profound, and I am genuinely thankful for him. This day served as a reminder of the essential role he plays in my life, motivating me to develop my faith and be of good character each day.
• Arnold Akalezi
‘I wrote poems for my father telling him how wonderful a father he is in my life’
The Father’s Day celebration, themed “Pilgrims of Hope: The Role of Fathers in the Spiritual and Economic Journey of the Family,” was organised by Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Madina. The event included, a talk on the theme, fundraising and Mass on the actual Father’s Day. On this day, I gave my father gifts, I also wrote poems for my father, telling him how wonderful a father he is in my life, and how much I love him.
• Adigwe Kate Angel
‘I prayed for my dad and wrote him a heartfelt note’
I celebrated Father’s Day by praying for my dad, writing a heartfelt note, and helping him unwind. I expressed gratitude to God for his life, love, and the sacrifices he makes for our family. He means everything to me, and I am truly thankful for his presence. It was a meaningful day to honour and appreciate him. Happy Father’s Day to all the incredible dads—your strength, love, and commitment are truly recognised. “Honour your father and mother.” – Ephesians 6:2. May God bless and watch over every father with His grace.
• Blossom Akalezi
‘I honoured Father’s Day by reflecting on Psalm 68:5’
I honoured Father’s Day by reflecting on Psalm 68:5, “A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy dwelling.” I celebrated fathers who embody God’s love and care. Gratitude to earthly fathers and the Heavenly Father who guides and protects us.
• Asia Adanna Alexandra
