Fathers and father figures of Our Lady of Assumption (OLA) Catholic Church at New Achimota, Accra, have been called upon to strive to follow the example of St. Joseph, the spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary and become the best fathers they could be.
“As we mark our day today, we the Fathers of OLA Parish want to share with you all a message about Saint Joseph, a role model for all fathers, father figures and all Men,” speakers said in messages to all fathers at three Masses on father’s day on June 18, 2023.
The messages were delivered by Justice James Benuyenah Benson, a retired Justice of the High Court at the first Mass; Mr. Solomon Torkutsah, Chairman of the OLA Parish Laity/Catechetical Committee at the second Mass and Mr. Sampson Owusu, a Quantity Surveyor at the Children Mass.
The idea of celebrating Father’s Day is first and foremost to provide an opportunity to honour and appreciate fathers and father figures, including Roman fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers and other male models for their important role in the family and society.
Fathers play a dynamic role in the upbringing of children, providing guidance, love and support, and this should be recognized and celebrated.
It also a time to reflect and raise awareness of issues affecting fathers, such as parental lives, child custody and work -life balance.
The three Speakers urged fathers and men in general in OLA Parish to emulate the virtues and lifestyle of St. Joseph, saying that “in a world where fatherhood was of utmost importance, St. Joseph’s life provided us with valuable lessons and inspiration.”
Adding, they said “St. Joseph was a man of action who didn’t merely accept his role as a father passively but actively protected, guided, and provided for his family.”
“Whether it was fleeing to Egypt to escape King Herod’s persecution or working diligently as a carpenter to support his family, he demonstrated the virtues of hard work, dedication, and determination,” the speakers said.
Adding, they said “He (St. Joseph) teaches us that being a father requires active involvement and a willingness to go above and beyond for our children.”
They noted that St. Joseph was also a man of humility and selflessness and despite his own doubts and fears, he put Mary and Jesus’ needs above his own.
“He embraced the responsibilities of fatherhood with grace and devotion, ensuring the safety, well-being, and upbringing of the child entrusted to him. His selfless actions teach us fathers, father figures and all men the significance of sacrificing for our children and the importance of being present in their lives,” the three speakers.
According to them, Saint Joseph’s unconditional love for Mary and Jesus also served as an example for fathers everywhere, while he nurtured and cherished his family, offering them love, support, and stability.
“His role as a protector and provider should reminds us of the fundamental responsibilities fathers have in shaping the lives of their children,” the speakers noted.
They averred: “Though we never heard any spoken words of St. Joseph in the Bible, we can discern from his actions that he was obedient, loving, kind, and generous.”
St. Joseph they stated exemplified the qualities that made a remarkable father: faith, integrity, humility, selflessness, action, unconditional love, obedience, kindness and generosity, hence called on Fathers to give their unwavering commitment and guidance their children just as Saint Joseph provided for Jesus.
“May St. Joseph’s inspiring story encourage us as fathers, father figures and men of OLA to become role models for our families and positively impact the world through our loving presence as fathers, they concluded.
As part of the Day, five fathers were awarded Citations for their meritorious support while the fathers feted the over 300 children and also donated branded T’ shirts to the youth and children’s Choir.
The awardees were ACP Victor Tandoh, a retired Senior Police Officer; Prof. Kwasi Torpey, Dean of the University of Ghana School of Public Health; Mr. Owusu Agyemang, a Senior Banker; Mr. Samuel Kofi Gameli Dossah, an Entrepreneur and Dr. Jerry Owusu-Ansah, a General Surgeon and Management Staff of COCOBOD.
Mr. Karl Apetor, an Animator and member of the Father’s Day Coordinating Team, on behalf of the Children and Animators, thanked the Fathers for visiting them on June 11, joining them for the Father’s Day Celebration, feting them and donating ‘T’ shirts to the choir.
He assured the fathers that as Animators they would ensure the children are trained to become strong in the Catholic faith and morals.
