Father’s Day Rosary

In the early 20th century, the idea of Father's Day was born out of love and gratitude. A woman named Sonora Smart Dodd, inspired by the selflessness and devotion of her own father, William Jackson Smart, sought to establish a day to honor fathers like hers. William was a Civil War veteran who single-handedly raised his six children after the passing of his wife. Sonora's efforts paid off when the first Father's Day was celebrated on June 19, 1910, in Spokane, Washington.

The holiday slowly gained popularity. In 1916, President Wilson celebrated the day by using telegraph signals to unfurl a flag in Spokane when he pressed a button in Washington, D.C. In 1924, President Calvin Coolidge urged state governments to observe Father’s Day. Today, Father's Day is celebrated in the United States on the third Sunday of June. Father’s Day 2024 occurs on June 16th. In other countries, especially in Europe and Latin America, fathers are honored on St. Joseph's Day, a traditional Catholic holiday that falls on March 19.

As the years passed, the tradition of Father's Day grew, spreading across the nation and beyond. It became a day to honor the strength, protection, and guidance fathers provide. It's a day for children to express their appreciation through gifts and cards and spend quality time with their fathers.

In the spirit of this tradition, the Catholic Cemeteries & Mortuaries have organized a special Father's Day Rosary service. This year, on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at 2:00 p.m., all eleven Catholic Cemeteries will come together in prayer and remembrance. The service is a heartfelt tribute to fathers and father figures who have passed away, offering solace and a shared space for families to honor their memories.

The rosary service is not just a moment of prayer but a powerful community gathering. It reflects the Catholic belief in the communion of saints and the power of prayer to connect us with our loved ones. It's an opportunity for families to find comfort in their faith and the unwavering support of their community.

As we approach this special day, let's remember the origins of Father's Day and the values it represents. Let's join together at the Catholic Cemeteries & Mortuaries to honor our fathers with prayers and memories that transcend time, united in the hope and promise of eternal life.

May this Father's Day be a time of reflection, gratitude, and peace as we remember the fathers who have shaped our lives and continue to watch over us from above.