‘Honor thy father’

MANILA, Philippines — The Catholic Church has paid tribute to all fathers in the country who have dedicated their lives to saving their family amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

The Philippines is one with the world in celebrating Father’s Day today.

Apostolic administrator of the Archdiocese of Manila Bishop Broderick Pabillo said the Church is praying for the good health of fathers as he urged them to “reflect the fatherhood of God.”

Pabillo said they are proud of all fathers who have worked hard to make ends meet while the country is struggling with COVID-19.

Balanga Bishop Ruperto Santos echoed Pabillo’s sentiments as he urged children to appreciate the efforts of their fathers to protect them against the coronavirus disease.

“With this difficult and dangerous time of COVID-19 pandemic, we know your worries and anxieties. You think much not of yourself, but the welfare and well being of us, your family,” Santos said.

“In your heart, as father, you want to provide what we need. In your mind, you always think about how to protect us, how to keep us safe and how to make us successful,” he added.

Santos asked children to pray and be thankful for their fathers for all of their sacrifices to give them a comfortable life.

“But with this lockdown, quarantine and closing of companies are added burdens to you. We feel what you are undergoing, dear Tatay. You are most important to us. Like what you want us, stay safe too and take care also of yourself,” he said.

Like Pabillo and Santos, Sorsogon Bishop-emeritus Arturo Bastes greeted fathers with prayers.