As the world celebrates Fathers’ Day today, we bemoan the fact that fatherhood has become so devalued in society.

Fatherhood, as exemplified by our Father in Heaven, is intended to be a loving and nurturing role, just like motherhood. It is a role to be fulfilled without any expectation of reward. Fatherhood should not be reduced to providing shelter and food for our children, as the duty of the father is much more than that.

The perfect illustration of fatherhood is provided in Scripture, which tells of a loving and forgiving Father, who constantly strives to bring home his often wayward children. In our role as fathers, we encounter wayward behaviour in our own children and in those we are called to parent.

Our love for them sometimes causes us pain and, always, we feel we know what is best for them. While we know that making mistakes is one way to learn, we want to spare them the hurt that goes with this – which is one of our common mistakes.

As a father, I recommend pursuing the virtues of prudence, which directs us to seek the true good; justice, which seeks to give each their due; and fortitude, which guides us through all difficulties. When we nurture these virtues through prayer and the sacraments, we prepare ourselves for the pounding waves that crash onto our shores as we go through life as fathers.

One of the great challenges for the modern Catholic father is to guide his children past the many false gods competing to fill the spiritual void that is often present in today’s culture. Each age and place has its challenges and there is a need for us fathers to respond with unceasing commitment, ingenuity and, above all, love, as we pursue our calling to be like the Father.

We are not to be afraid. Fatherhood is not something we are called to be perfect at – but a gift to help us grow towards perfection in the image of our Father in heaven. So, seek always to follow His perfect example, and have a Happy Fathers’ Day.

Simon Rostant is the father of Alyssa,Dike,Kamara,Elize and Krista(now deceased). Having recently retired as Principal of Presentation College, Chaguanas, he is now the parish co-ordinator for the Parish of Our Lady of Montserrat, Tortuga and is a candidate in the permanent diaconate programme. Simon is a widower but is once again married and together with his wife, Paula, is now responsible for the upbringing of Blessing,12 years and Ainca,18 months.