‘Honouring Fathers, Building Strong Families’ was the theme of the celebration I was invited to deliver a presentation on, as Guest Speaker during the 2026 Father’s Day event organised by the Catholic Men Organisation of St. Agnes Catholic Church, Maryland last Sunday, June 21.
To begin with, it felt good to draw attention to a video that has been making the rounds in which the young lady who had just graduated from medical school, gave her first salary to her mother because as far as she was concerned, her mother was the one who had been with her and had been there for her all the time, paying her bills and school fees, attending PTA meetings and shopping for her. To some extent, she may have been correct because that was what she saw and felt. Her father was working hard and providing, without being there or be seen to be there. It took the intervention of the mother to correct the young lady and explain that while she, the mother, was the one paying all those bills, the money was provided by the father.
In our modern world, it sometimes feels as though fathers do not receive the respect, honour, and appreciation they truly deserve. Despite their hard work and sacrifices, their contributions are often overlooked. Yet, fathers remain pillars of strength, guiding hands, and role models whose presence is vital in building strong families; letting the young ones know that, “a father is someone you look up to no matter how tall you grow”.
The Bible reminds us of this sacred duty, with, “Honour your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you” as captured in Exodus 20:12. Also, Proverbs 23:22 says: “Listen to your father, who gave you life.” These verses call us to recognise the value of fathers and to show them the honour due to them.
So how can we appreciate fathers? We can start with gratitude — simple words of thanks, acts of kindness, and celebrating their milestones. Children can honour fathers by respecting them, obeying them, and praying for them. Wives can encourage and support them, recognising their efforts in providing and protecting the family. Communities, including the church, can celebrate fathers publicly, reminding them that their role matters.
Fathers should not be celebrated only on Father’s Day. There is no doubt that fathers themselves should carry much of the blame for the gap that exists in the minimal honour they receive; even to celebrate Father’s Day, some fathers do not even seem to know or bother, and this a big gap. We do not need to celebrate multiple father’s days annually like our mothers but at least fathers should dispose themselves to this single day annually.
Also, since honour is not one-sided, fathers must live in ways that deserve respect. Be present – not just physically, but emotionally, in the lives of the children. Attend school events like PTA meetings and inter house sports competitions and play with their children. Let them know you are there not only to provide but to love. Be mentors, guiding them with wisdom and integrity. Be available to listen, to counsel, and to share life’s lessons. Show affection openly, because love is the foundation of strong families.
Fathers should also remember celebrations — birthdays, anniversaries, graduations. These moments matter. They tell children, “I see you, I value you.” A father’s presence builds confidence and security in the hearts of his children.
When fathers rise to this calling, families grow stronger. Children learn responsibility, respect, and resilience. Wives feel supported, and homes become places of peace and joy. Honouring fathers is not just about one day — it is about building a culture where fathers are cherished, and families thrive.
The society must honour fathers and thank them for their sacrifices, encourage them in their journey, and remind them that their presence and love are priceless. Strong fathers build strong families, and strong families build strong communities, a strong country and a better world.
Celebration of Father’s Day on June 21 every year should not stop at words. Everyone must be committed to action. Children should show respect and gratitude to their fathers, not only on that day but every day. Wives should encourage and uplift their husbands as they carry the weight of responsibility. Fathers, too, must rise to the challenge – be present, be loving, be mentors, and be men of honour. Who says only women should attend PTA meetings or inter-house sports events of children or do the school run? These are activities that help fathers and children to bond. Fathers must learn to also celebrate themselves and be available to be celebrated. Unlike the women who mark several Mother’s Days in the year, the men have only one but even that day is strange to some men and they have to be reminded when the time draws near.
The nation must build a community where fathers are cherished, where families are strong, and where love and respect are the foundation of the homes. Strong fathers build strong families, and strong families build strong communities.
The society, and indeed, the world should set forth with renewed commitment to honour fathers, to strengthen families, and to shape a brighter future together.
