Hey dads! Pope Francis has an awesome message for you!

On the feast day of St. Joseph, Pope Francis spoke directly to dads, encouraging them to follow the example of St. Joseph and remain close to their children.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - Yesterday was the feast day of St. Joseph and Pope Francis used the occasion to tell dads around the world to stay close to their children.

During his weekly audience in St. Peter's Square, Pope Francis addressed fathers saying, "I ask that you have the grace to be very close to your children, letting them grow, but being by their side. They need you, your presence, to be there, your love!"

Browse the exquisite St. Joseph's collection. Perfect for all Fathers!

Pope Francis explained that St. Joseph was a guardian and drew parallels to teachers, catechists, parents, religious, and priests. Even priests are called to follow the example of St. Joseph as they are Fathers of their congregations.

Pope Francis called fathers to grow in "wisdom and grace," and asked mothers to join in that mission too. "it would be a serious mistake to think that a father and a mother can't do anything to teach their children to grow in God's grace," he said.

As we know, God was the true father of Jesus, yet St. Joseph also said yes to God. He obeyed God's will and cared for Mary and Jesus all the days of his life. He taught Jesus his trade and ensured Jesus was raised according to God's will, for Jesus was born as a human and as such he had human needs.

St. Joseph met these needs without complaint or question.

Men are called to do the same as St. Joseph and meet the needs of their children likewise.

Pope Francis took a celebratory tone towards the end of his message. "Learn from him that only trust in God can turn doubt into certainty, evil into good, total darkness of the night into a radiant dawn!" Then he asked for all of the fathers in the crowd to raise their hands. "Best wishes, all the best on your day!" he hailed.

Pope Francis concluded with the Our Father, joined by the multitudes in the jam-packed square.

---

'Help Give every Student and Teacher FREE resources for a world-class Moral Catholic Education'