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Father’s Day gives us the opportunity to honor men the men in our lives past and present, and this can also extend to the Church.
If you take a look back over the centuries, there are plenty of saints who were not only devout in their faith, but extraordinary fathers as well. While you’ll be familiar with saints such as St. Joseph and Mary’s father, St. Joachim, there are a myriad of less talked about saints who through their dedication to their families and their virtuous lives, can provide inspiring examples of fatherhood today.
As these eight saints below show, faith, love, and commitment in nurturing and guiding a family are just as important today as they were centuries ago.
1
St. Thomas More (1478-1535)
St. Thomas More, an English lawyer, social philosopher, and statesman, was also a devoted family man. Despite his demanding career, he made his family a priority, ensuring they received an excellent education and were nurtured in faith and virtue. His famous highly-educated daughter, Margaret, shared a close bond with him, reflecting his influence as a loving and attentive father. St. Thomas More’s balance of professional and familial responsibilities, along with his moral integrity, stands out as a model for fatherhood.
2
St. Leopold III (1073-1136)
St. Leopold III, also known as Leopold the Good, was the Margrave of Austria. He married Agnes of Germany, and together they had multiple children. St. Leopold was known for his just rule and charitable works, but also for his commitment to his family. He fostered a strong sense of faith and unity among his children, many of whom played significant roles in religious and political spheres. His ability to lead both his family and his people with wisdom and compassion made him a remarkable father.
3
St. Joseph Moscati (1880-1927)
St. Joseph Moscati, an Italian doctor and university professor, is celebrated for his medical expertise and compassionate care for the sick. Though not a biological father, his paternal care for his patients and students was profound. He often provided free medical care to the poor and was known for his empathy and kindness. His fatherly dedication extended beyond the familial bounds, embodying a universal fatherhood through his vocation and service.
4
St. Louis Martin (1823-1894)
St. Louis Martin, the father of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, was a watchmaker in Alençon, France. He and his wife, St. Zélie Martin, had nine children, five of whom survived to adulthood. St. Louis was a devout man, deeply involved in his faith and family life. After Zélie’s death, he raised his daughters with love and dedication, supporting their spiritual and personal growth. His gentle nature, strong faith, and unwavering support for his children’s vocations made him an exemplary father.
5
St. Stephen of Hungary (975-1038)
St. Stephen, the first King of Hungary, played a crucial role in converting his nation to Christianity. He married Gisela of Bavaria, and together they had several children, including St. Emeric. Stephen was a devoted father who instilled Christian values in his children, particularly emphasizing the importance of faith and service. His legacy as a father is marked by his efforts to ensure the spiritual and moral foundation of his family and his kingdom.
6
St. Manuel Morales (1898-1926)
St. Manuel Morales was a Mexican layman and father who was martyred during the Cristero War. A devout Catholic and active member of his parish, he was a dedicated husband and father of three children. His strong faith and commitment to his family’s spiritual well-being, even in the face of persecution, highlight his exemplary fatherhood.
7
St. Basil the Elder (4th Century)
St. Basil the Elder, father of St. Basil the Great and St. Gregory of Nyssa, was a prominent lawyer and teacher in Cappadocia. He and his wife, St. Emmelia, raised nine or 10 children, many of whom became saints. Basil’s commitment to education and faith greatly influenced his children’s spiritual and intellectual development, making him a model father.
8
St. Nuno Álvares Pereira (1360-1431)
St. Nuno Álvares Pereira, a Portuguese general, was known for his military prowess and deep faith. After his wife’s death, he raised his only daughter, Beatriz, instilling in her strong Christian values. Later in life, he became a Carmelite lay brother, demonstrating his dedication to faith and family through his transition from a warrior to a man of prayer.
And today we celebrate...