A Joyful Father’s Day Celebration, Thanksgiving Mass, and Book Launch

On Sunday, June 21, 2026, a small but faith-filled gathering of Filipino friends and supporters came together to celebrate Father’s Day with a Mass of Thanksgiving, the Blessing of the Sick, the Blessing of Fathers, and the launch of my memoir, Rising Again: A Journey of Faith, Formation, and Surrender.

Cecille Abuque and Perry Kendall, along with others, came forward to have their books signed.

Though modest in number, the gathering was overflowing with faith, friendship, gratitude, and joy. The celebration began with the Holy Mass, where we reflected on the readings of the Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time. The Word of God reminded us that faith does not shield us from difficulties and suffering, but it assures us that God remains present with us in every trial and challenge we face.

In the First Reading from the Book of Jeremiah, the prophet poured out his anguish amid rejection, opposition, and fear. Jeremiah felt isolated and surrounded by those who sought to bring him down. Yet even in his suffering, he proclaimed his confidence that God had not abandoned him. The Lord remained his refuge, strength, and defender. His experience resonates with many of us who have faced moments of disappointment, illness, uncertainty, grief, and personal struggles. Jeremiah’s witness reminds us that God remains faithful even when life becomes difficult and overwhelming.

A Father’s Day Mass with friends and Family in St. John’s, Newfoundland.

The Gospel carried the comforting words of Jesus: “Do not be afraid.” These words continue to speak to believers today. We often worry about our future, our families, our health, our finances, and the many uncertainties of life. Yet Jesus assures us that we are precious in God’s eyes. If God watches over every sparrow and knows every hair on our heads, then surely He accompanies us through every circumstance of our lives. The message of the Gospel is clear: trust in God’s providence, for we are never forgotten nor abandoned by Him.

On Father’s Day, this Gospel message took on a special significance. Fathers have a unique and indispensable role within the family. They are called not only to provide for their families’ material needs but also to be witnesses of faith, hope, and love. Through their sacrifices, perseverance, guidance, and example, fathers reveal something of God’s own fatherly love.

In a world where many families face challenges and uncertainties, fathers are called to be pillars of strength and sources of encouragement. Children learn courage when they see their fathers persevere through adversity. They learn compassion when fathers show kindness and patience. They learn integrity when fathers live according to their values. Most importantly, they learn faith when fathers pray, trust in God, and lead their families closer to Christ. A father’s influence extends far beyond what he can see. Through daily acts of love, sacrifice, and responsibility, fathers help shape the hearts, character, and faith of future generations.

The readings reminded us that just as God never abandoned Jeremiah in his struggles, He also never abandons fathers in their vocation. Fathers carry many burdens and responsibilities, often making sacrifices quietly and without recognition. Yet God walks beside them, strengthening them in their mission to love, protect, and nurture their families. The greatest gift a father can offer his children is not material wealth but the witness of a life rooted in faith, trust, and love.

Following the homily, we offered prayers for those who were sick and in need of healing. The Blessing of the Sick served as a reminder that Christ continues to walk with those who suffer physically, emotionally, and spiritually. We also extended a special blessing to all fathers, asking God to strengthen them in their vocation and reward them for their sacrifices and loving service to their families.

After the Mass, everyone gathered for a fellowship and book launch. The Filipino community generously prepared a wonderful potluck meal, creating an atmosphere of warmth, hospitality, and celebration. The afternoon became a beautiful occasion for sharing stories, laughter, memories, and friendship around the table. It was a reminder that the Church is not only a place where we worship together but also a family where we support, encourage, and care for one another.

Among those present was Ate Victoria Albino, who expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to attend the celebration. She shared how deeply she was touched by the message of the readings and took home the reassuring reminder that despite the difficulties and hardships we encounter in life, God never abandons His people. Her reflection beautifully captured the heart of the day’s message: that God’s grace sustains us, His presence accompanies us, and His love remains constant through every aspect of life.

The gathering was made even more meaningful through the generosity of those who brought food and refreshments to share. Special thanks go to Ghina Realiza, George and Hazel Ouano-Alpuerto, and Cecille Abuque and Perry Kendall, who generously provided the delicious desserts enjoyed by everyone. We are also grateful to the many others who contributed dishes to the potluck meal. Their generosity reflected the spirit of Christian fellowship and hospitality that made the celebration so memorable.

We are thankful to all who made the effort to attend from different communities, including Derrick and Jesica Jacinto from Mount Pearl, Miguel Mendoza, Fraser Abuque and Melanie Patricia Tictic, Anna Zagado, Reggie Cutler, and many other friends whose presence enriched the celebration. Their friendship, support, and encouragement added greatly to the joy of the day.

The launch of Rising Again: A Journey of Faith, Formation, and Surrender added another meaningful dimension to the gathering. The memoir is a testimony to God’s faithfulness through moments of brokenness, uncertainty, healing, and hope. It echoes the very message proclaimed in the day’s readings—that even amid life’s struggles, God never ceases to accompany His people and lead them toward new life. The story is ultimately one of God’s grace at work through life’s trials, reminding readers that setbacks do not have the final word. God’s love and mercy always open the possibility of a new beginning.

As the celebration concluded, our hearts were filled with gratitude for God’s many blessings, for the gift of community, and for the opportunity to gather in faith and friendship. The day reminded us that we are never alone on our journey, for God walks with us through every challenge and surrounds us with people who encourage and support us along the way.

A very special word of gratitude is extended to James Rosario, whose generous hospitality made this Father’s Day celebration possible. By opening his home and hosting this Mass of Thanksgiving, the Blessing of the Sick, the Blessing of Fathers, and the book launch fellowship, James created a welcoming space where faith, healing, friendship, and community could flourish. His generosity brought together family and friends in a spirit of thanksgiving and celebration, making the day both meaningful and memorable. May God abundantly bless James and his family for their kindness, generosity, and unwavering support.

Special blessing of Fathers on Father’s Day.

As we move forward in faith, may we continue to carry the enduring message of this Father’s Day celebration: “Do not be afraid.” Trust in God’s providence. No matter what trials we face, God never abandons His people. May fathers continue to be living witnesses of God’s love within their families, and may all of us find strength, hope, and courage in the Lord who faithfully walks beside us every day.