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May expectant fathers lovingly support the mothers of their children in welcoming new life.

The family [has a special role to play throughout the life of its members, from birth to death. It] is truly "the sanctuary of life: the place in which life - the gift of God - can be properly welcomed and protected against the many attacks to which it is exposed."

Evangelium Vitae - Celebrating 30 YearsThe Gospel of Life (Section 92)

Novena Day 2 - Expectant Fathers - Saturday May 24th

Intercession

May expectant fathers lovingly support the mothers of their children in welcoming new life.

Prayers

Our Father, 3 Hail Marys, Glory Be

Reflection

Fatherhood has its origins in God, who chose to reveal Himself to us as Our Father, sending his only Son for the sake of our salvation. Fathers therefore have a special role “in revealing and in reliving on earth the very fatherhood of God” (Familiaris consortio 25). Fathers are called to exhibit “generous responsibility for the life conceived under the heart of the mother” (FC 25). They are uniquely entrusted with the protection and defence of both mother and child and, in this way, in safeguarding the sanctity of human life.

As evidenced in our world today, the role of the father “is of unique and irreplaceable importance” (FC 25). Often women choose abortion because they do not have the support of the child’s father, or — even worse — the father of the child pressures her to make the decision to abort. At the same time, it is important to acknowledge with compassion that men can also be overwhelmed by an unexpected pregnancy and that society increasingly tells them that they should have no say in their children’s lives. In the face of these false messages, we pray that expectant fathers will find courage in the example of Saint Joseph — who embraced the role of father amid difficult circumstances — and offer loving, life-affirming support to the mothers of their children.

Acts of Reparation

  • Pray a decade of the Rosary for all expectant fathers, that through her intercession, Our Lady may inspire in them the virtues of Saint Joseph.

One Step More

Quick and Easy:

Share an inspiring sentence from this article: St Joseph: Dads Make a Difference (Joe McKeown, Intercom Magazine, March 2022) to help spread the word on the importance of fatherhood:

1. Open the article by clicking the link above

2. Find a line you particularly like, such as Having a Dad actively involved in their children’s faith means they are 90% more likely to be participating in church life as young adults.”

3. Paste it into a post on your favourite social media platform, or into an email to a friend or family member.

4. Add a message like as “Dads matter – pass this on to an expectant father – or any father you know!”

5. Hit ‘Send’ or ‘Post’ and you’re done – a 5-minute task that could nudge a Dad to realise his importance in the life of his children.

More involved:

Launch a “Men’s Fundraising Challenge” to raise funds for Community Connect, showing how men can back strong families.

1. From your laptop, visit the Community Connect fundraising page https://communityconnect.ie/donate-to-community-connect/ and decide on a small goal—say, €50—to help their work with families.

2 Next, draft a quick message: “I’m raising €50 for Community Connect because men can make a difference for families, just like St. Joseph did. Skip a coffee (€5) and join me – donate here: https://communityconnect.ie/donate-to-community-connect/ ! Let me know when you’ve donated so we reach our target”

3 Email or message it to five guy friends or family members (expectant dads, uncles, or any men who care), or post it on your personal social media page.

4. Follow up in a few days with a “We’re halfway there!” nudge.

5. Wrap it up by thanking them and donating any amount you can yourself. It’s a fun, low-pressure way to rally support.

Familiaris Consortio is a post-synodal apostolic exhortation written by Pope John Paul II and promulgated on 22 November 1981.

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