Joining the rest of the Catholics, parishioners of St. Francis de Sales (SFS) Parish, Kohima Town, celebrated Father’s Day with prayers and thanksgiving during Sunday Eucharistic celebrations.
Delivering a message during the Angami Mass, Visazhünuo Carmila said families are communicating less due to interference from modern technology such as mobile phones.
As a result, quality time is lacking between them despite being together at home. She therefore reminded the heads of families to give valuable time to their wives and children.
She also said a man’s value is not defined by his achievements or fame, but by his ability to raise responsible and valuable citizens in society.
Referring to the rising crimes against women, she noted that even wrongdoers, in one way or another, are shaped by their upbringing by parents. She therefore underscored the need for sound parenting by fathers and urged them to continue being contributing members toward the welfare of their families and peace in society.
Carmila urged fathers to give equal treatment to daughters as they do to sons. Referring to street protests by women over their issues, she asked fathers to stand by them and practice responsible parenting.
She also acknowledged fathers for their selfless sacrifices, love, and care; their spirit of encouragement and forgiveness; their prayers and positive actions; and the sense of security they provide to their families.
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Led by Parish Priest Rev Fr Mathew Mhabemo, the congregation offered a thanksgiving prayer “for the gift of fathers and of Christ to us” and sought forgiveness for the times they had led their fathers astray.
Extending greetings on the occasion, Fr Mathew reminded fathers to place their shortcomings before Christ and to reflect on whether they were truly deserving of the love their children and spouses were showering on them. He also urged them to overcome old habits and start afresh.
In his sermon, the priest emphasized the need to pray to God to walk beside fathers, granting them the strength to overcome difficulties, struggles, and anxieties in life so they could better care for their families.
He asked the children and mothers if they could offer fathers in their families “special gifts” beyond material ones. “Today, shall we offer them the gift of forgiveness if they have hurt us? Shall we also offer them respect as the head of the family, and support them so that, through our cooperation, what they plan for our families they can execute and lead?” he said.
Fr Mathew also led a prayer “for single fathers who are making the journey from manhood to fatherhood and fighting against fatherlessness; for single mothers raising children alone; for children without fathers; for those who have gone before us in faith; and for those who have lost their fathers — may they find peace, comfort, and solace, and may their souls rest in peace.”
The messages were translated into Tenyidie by Kikrusonuo Clara.
Assistant Priest Rev Fr Peter, during one of the two earlier English Masses, delivered a similar homily.
Basing his sermon on the scriptural theme “Do not be afraid”, Fr Peter said that in marriage the husband becomes the head of the family and is therefore bound to face challenges. However, he encouraged them not to be disheartened, but to seek God and carry on despite the harsh realities of life.
He said, “You are living out the Gospel through the responsibilities you carry,” adding, “While you face challenges, there is always a solution.”
During the Angami Mass, Mary Meyase led the initial and ending proceedings; catechist Petekhriezo Francis led morning prayers; Bible readings by Mezhüvinuo Natalia and Kikruneinuo Elizabeth; ‘prayer of the faithful’ by Mhasivonuo Teresa; choir – ACYA, SFS and ACWA, SFS special number. Gifts were also presented to fathers as a token of appreciation.
