Co-hosts Joshua Lesan and Patrick Germann pose the question, “What is spiritual fatherhood?” to Dr. Anthony Lilles, professor of spiritual theology at St. Patrick’s Seminary, and Fr. Stephen Akers, pastor of St. Benedict and Sacred Heart Church in Hollister, CA. Human spiritual fatherhood consists essentially in revealing the face of the eternal Father. Fathers remind their children that they are loved and are not orphans, and in doing so teach them how to live in the world and in the Church. As models of faith, sacrifice, and hope, fathers enable their children to avoid anger and take risks in a world that is fundamentally good.

Resources

Lilles, Anthony. “Spiritual Fathers: Prophets in a Technologized World.” Catholic San Francisco. June 14, 2023.

Lilles, Anthony. “Prayer and the Fatherhood of God.” Catholic San Francisco. October 12, 2023.