The Parish Priest of St. Theresa of Avila Catholic Church in Berekum, under the Catholic Diocese of Sunyani, Rev. Fr. Dr. Halifax Fidelis Oppong, has urged fathers to take an active role in the upbringing of their children, stressing that parental care and guidance are essential to raising responsible and successful individuals.
Speaking during this year’s Father’s Day celebration, Rev. Fr. Dr. Oppong encouraged fathers not to neglect their responsibilities but to provide their children with the care, support and direction needed to help them discover and develop their God-given talents and potential.
According to him, every father serves as both a teacher and a spiritual guide within the family, making it important for them to lead by example and help their children follow the right path in life.
He noted that when children receive proper care, discipline and encouragement, they are more likely to succeed and become a source of pride and blessing to their parents.
The Catholic priest also called on sons and daughters to show love, appreciation and care for their fathers, especially in old age. He advised families not to wait until their parents have passed away before demonstrating their affection through expensive memorial projects.
“Rather than spending large sums on graves and monuments after their death, use those resources to improve their lives while they are still alive,” he said, encouraging children to provide comfortable homes and adequate support for their ageing parents.
Rev. Fr. Dr. Oppong further appealed to young people to cultivate respect for elders both in their daily interactions and on social media platforms.
As Christians around the world marked Father’s Day, he urged families to use the occasion to celebrate fathers and acknowledge the vital role they play in nurturing strong families and communities.