Many mentors have influenced me with their muscular Christianity, but Father Byrne’s method of shaping souls was different. He drew upon St. Francis of Assisi’s maxim: “Preach the Gospel at all times. When necessary, use words.” The diminutive priest was a giant in my life but made himself small so students like me would aspire, as he did, to live as men for others.
This is the phrase—men for others—that runs through my mind this Father’s Day. It’s how men like my dad and Father Byrne lived, and I’m convinced it’s critical to being a good father; indeed, a good person. Find something meaningful that is bigger than yourself and live for it, simple as that. For seeking the good of another is more than living, it is loving.
To my many fathers and to all like them, thank you and Happy Father’s Day
~ Mike Kerrigan, from To All the Fathers in My Life, Thank You (wsj.com, June 14, 2019)
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Happy Dad’s Day, Dave – wishing you a day of feeling special and loved.
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Thank you Mimi.
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beautiful and happy Father’s Day to you
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Thank you Beth.
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Beautiful! Feel so fortunate to still have my dad with me at age 80. Had the joy of seeing him last week. May your day be filled with happiness, pal. Give yourself a pat on the back…you and Susan raised two great kids….
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Good for you Lori. Thank you…
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Happy Father’s Day to you, David.
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Thanks Dale
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Reblogged this on It Is What It Is and commented:
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY … ‘To my many fathers and to all like them, thank you and Happy Father’s Day’ … Mike Kerrigan, from To All the Fathers in My Life, Thank You (wsj.com, June 14, 2019)
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Happy Father’s Day to you and all dads. This is something we don’t really do (in Switzerland) and not very much in France either. But to me ANYTHING rendering attentive to a parent’s love and dedication is a good thing, to be celebrated and remembered, not on one day, but every single day.
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Thank you Kiki. And I agree
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great men, give of themselves in the humble action of walking along in love…with strength, in guidance and in gentleness…hmm…seems to me you have those qualities…enjoy your father’s day…
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Thank you kindly Christie. I have a ways to go and working on it every day.
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I hope all those who celebrated Father’s Day had an amazing day and felt loved and appreciated
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Thank you Joanne.
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