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For many people, the month of June offers the opportunity to celebrate and recognise the influence and care given by their father as we celebrate Father’s Day.
Supporters Vanessa and Kate share what it means for them to mark this day, for a new father and a much-loved father who sadly died during the pandemic.
Vanessa's husband Kang and their 19-month-old son
There’s something incredibly special about watching your partner become a father. Since our little one was born 19 months ago, I’ve seen my husband step up to the challenge of fatherhood. It’s not always picture-perfect - there are moments of exhaustion, and mess! But in those everyday acts of care, I see a strength and softness that makes me appreciate him in a different way. Now, Father’s Day feels different, it’s no longer just a celebration as a daughter, but a moment to honour my husband.
This year, I want our celebration to mean more. Yes, we’ll have cards and a lunch that’s hopefully still warm when we eat it, but I also want to give a gift that reflects the kind of father he’s becoming: compassionate, generous and deeply human. CAFOD’s World Gifts have some beautiful Father’s Day gifts that support real families in need, like farming tools, clean water, or even a goat to help a family experiencing poverty. It feels right to give in his honour, knowing that our little family’s love can reach beyond our walls and into the lives of others.
Explore the World Gifts collection
Kate tells us about her father Brian and the Candlelight Fund she has for him.
Brian with his children on holiday in Cornwall
I set up a Candlelight Fund in memory of my dad, Brian, in 2020. Dad died during the pandemic and initially the fund was a way for people who couldn’t attend the funeral to remember him. Since then, the Candlelight Fund has become an important way for me and my family to feel connected to Dad. We can make a donation and leave a message on significant days such as birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas and perhaps most important of all Father’s Day – all of the occasions when we miss him most.
Dad would often share stories about his youth when he used to cycle over the hills around Saltaire, or how he met my mum at a local dance hall, but one of his proudest moments came during his national service with the RAF when he was chosen to line the route at the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.
Brian in his happy place, his armchair!
Dad was always a loving and encouraging parent and, although he wasn’t a Catholic, he always supported my mum in bringing me and my siblings up in the faith. He loved taking us on holiday both in this country and abroad, and he always made sure he found the nearest church on Sundays and holy days.
In later years Dad and Mum took the opportunity to travel further afield – flying over the Grand Canyon, snowmobiling in Canada, and visiting Asia – but Dad was always happiest in his armchair surrounded by his family.
It feels really good to know that in remembering my dad through the Candlelight Fund we are also helping to raise money for all the vital work that CAFOD does across the world, because a better world needs all of us.
Find out more about our online Candlelight Funds, or contact us on 020 7095 5348 or email candlelight@cafod.org.uk.
