Father’s Day is a day of honouring fatherhood and paternal bonds as well as the influence of fathers on society. In Catholic countries of Europe, it has been celebrated on March 19th as Saint Joseph’s Day since the Middle ages. In America Father’s day was founded by Sonora Smart Dodd and celebrated on the third Sunday of June for the first time in 1910. I cannot find when exactly it came to this country but we have followed this tradition. It is held on various days in many parts of the world throughout the year, often in the months of March, May and June. There are some suggestions that the idea of Father’s Day may originate in pagan sun worship. Some branches of paganism see the Sun as the Father of the universe. Since the summer solstice occurs around the time of year as Father’s day some people see a link between the two.
Whatever your thoughts, have a nice day and if you are visiting or celebrating in some way with your Father make the most of it.
The rain has made a difference to the lawns and garden in general, it has come even more alive. Pat has been picking soft fruits in plenty. Black and red currants, raspberries and loganberries. I see some jam making in the offing. Many of you are in the same position I am sure, what an enjoyable time of year it is, in spite of the challenges we are facing. Some of you have told me how your gardens are looking and I thank you all for keeping in touch with me.
Some of the restrictions are being lifted so that those who live alone may now visit and stay if so inclined with other members of the family. It must be a blessed relief if you can take advantage of this. I do not see us, as an organisation, being able to get back together soon but it will come. As I have said before we must be patient and cautious in order to protect ourselves and others.
We still have brethren suffering ill health, not Covid 19 related, who need treatment and medication. Can I assure those brethren and their families that you are in our thoughts and prayers. I trust that they respond well to any treatment.
I note that the local dry cleaners is opening again soon so I must get my stripes and black coat to them so that I can be ready for the off, when it comes. We all appreciate that our leaders are giving much thought to the coming out of this lockdown, the logistics are not straight forward. It is a time to be a constructive member of a large team. Please try and keep positive.
Keep safe and well.
Kindest regards,
Malcolm Lloyd, Provincial Almoner