From the Principal

FATHER’S DAY

Father’s Day 2025 was celebrated by many families on Sunday, 7 September, and I do hope that those Dads who were thus honored had a most enjoyable day.  At SMC we certainly were pleased to host fathers from Davisson Street Campus for afternoon tea on 5 September.

For the majority of families, fathers have a most significant role to play in family life.  Equally with mothers, fathers are the cornerstone of families, parent and model for their children, partner for their spouse.  Fatherhood is a great responsibility for any man to fulfil, and it is appropriate for us to pray for them as they undertake duties and tasks amidst their family.

Very determined to prevent a stereotypical image of fathers, I do contend that the uniqueness of the role can be cause for pressure, delight, earnest desire to be totally human, and inspiring role model.  As fathers reach out to their loved ones, I do hope that they find this reaching out returned to them thus bringing happiness and serenity into family life.

Spiritually, people of Christian faith pray to God the Father, ‘Our Father, who art in heaven’.  God the Father often is speaking from the clouds, through burning bushes, dividing seas, creating Adam and Eve as our first parents.  God is loving, caring, infinitely perfect, and awaits all good souls to grant them their heavenly reward when the time comes for us.

Think for a prayerful moment of famous biblical fathers – Abraham comes first to mind, then Joseph, step father of Jesus on earth.  Think of famous human fathers – movies and theatrical plays portray fatherhood in a myriad of ways with various mannerisms, strengths and weaknesses.  Priestly fathers – for Monicans, they are Fathers Toldo, Girolami, Nguyen, Macri et al. 

Extensions or ancestors of our fathers are grandfathers, and many are revered and much loved senior members of our family.  I am blest to have four grandchildren, Amelia, Adriana, Edward and Thomas.  Whether fortunate to have one or many, the honor of being grandfather allows for spoiling these young ones, being wise counsel, protector, and sometimes telling corny jokes to make them laugh.

Let us remember with love and happy memories our fathers who have died. Let us be attentive to our fathers who are unwell, in nursing homes, separated from us, struggling with life, and sad.  May our fathers be faithful husbands and partners, reliable father or step father, cheery and health grandfather, loved and loving.

Happy Father’s Day for the hundreds of Monican fathers.  May Monican  children give more than socks, chocolates, items from Bunnings or Dan Murphy.  Importantly, may they give time, affection and special attention to their Dad.

Brian E. Hanley OAM

Principal