This Sunday, June 18, 2017, is Father’s Day. It is a day to celebrate the men in our lives that we call dad, daddy, father, grandpa, papa, and any other name in any language that has been creatively crafted by a one year old. Whether these men are with us or gone, near or far, related or not, let us celebrate them and the love they have brought us, the lessons they have taught us, and strength they have imparted.
Below you will find two Father’s Day messages written by Maryknollers to their fathers, followed by the reflection of a father during his time as a Maryknoll Lay Missioner:
This letter was written by Sister Agnes (Maria Petra) Cazale, MM to her father while completing her year of service at the Maryknoll Seminary kitchen and Maryknoll Sisters Center laundry, 6/14/1946.
This letter was written by Fr. William C. Kruegler, MM to his father during his time at The Maryknoll Novitiate in Bedford, Massachusetts, 6/21/1953.
A Maryknoll Lay Missioner missioned in Brazil shares a piece of fatherhood, April 2007:
“And the best for last: my kids. Both of my girls are still at an age in which they need and demand lots of attention. [One] is just beginning to spread her wings, but still enjoys mommy or daddy’s [time] and attention. [My other] very much enjoys mommy and daddy’s [time] and attention, and if it were up to her, would have it 24-7! I must admit that sometimes I long for the day when they want little to do with mom and dad. But I know that will be a sad day for me, and then will I long for these days now. So, I try to appreciate each new development as it comes.”
