If you watched the televised coverage of Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina named as our new pope, Pope Francis, you likely were deeply moved by his demeanor and word. Before giving his papal blessing he humbly asked for the faithful to implore God’s blessing upon him.
Pope Francis said, “And now I would like to give the blessing. But first I want to ask you a favor. Before the Bishop blesses the people I ask that you would pray to the Lord to bless me – the prayer of the people for their Bishop. Let us say this prayer – your prayer for me – in silence,” according to Relevant Radio’s website.
Certainly our new pope knows how powerful a blessing can be. We also should follow suit with our children.
I work in a Hispanic school and while greeting the children every morning, I am drawn to a scene that plays out daily. A father walks his daughter to the front door and he blesses her with the sign of the cross. She in turn blesses him also with the sign of the cross. Aside from baptism, I believe many of us have forgotten this beautiful and life-giving tradition.
A father’s blessing on his children is very powerful, according to Scripture. It protects the child throughout the day and offers strength to the child in growing up as a faithful Catholic. Other faiths also bless their children.
Jesus encouraged and performed the blessing of children in Mark 10:13-16. People were bringing children to him that he might touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this he became indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.” Then he embraced the children and blessed them, placing his hands on them.
In Genesis 27, we read the story of Isaac who was going blind and near death. Isaac intended to bless his son Esau, but his wife Rebekah, tricked him into blessing Jacob. When Esau realized he had been deprived of his father’s blessing, he “wept aloud.” Esau and Rebekah knew how meaningful the blessing of Isaac as head of the family was. Rebekah so much desired her son Jacob to receive the blessing that she willingly deceived her husband by disguising him as Esau.
We should offer a parental blessing to our children too. Some homes do not have a father present or active in the faith. Perhaps they might ask a grandfather, parish priest, or faith-filled uncle to do the blessing. My sister reminded me that, even as an adult, I could still request a blessing from our father. What an awesome gift. I have blessed my children when my husband has been away.
According to CatholicCulture.org, “Encouraging parental blessings, St. Ambrose says: “You may not be rich; you may be unable to bequeath great possessions to your children; but one thing you can give them — the heritage of your blessing. And it is better to be blessed than to be rich.”
Blessings can be done simply with a sign of the cross, holy water, and words of your own choosing. However, there are online prayers for a father’s blessings if you wish. Some of these are explained at Catholic Culture (such as here) and The Practicing Catholic.
Catholic Culture suggests fathers might begin the ritual of blessing their children on the feast of the Holy Innocents, December 28. The website also calls this date Childermas Day or Children’s Mass; a time when families recall the slaughter of Hebrew boys two years old and younger. However, this time is a suggestion, not a rule. You may begin on birthdays, baptismal days, or just when the Holy Spirit strikes you.
So if you have not done so, fathers, please include a blessing upon your children that they might accept your counsel and mature into solid Catholics. Who knows? You may be blessing a future pope!
Copyright © 2013, Mary Mitchell
Mary Mitchell
Mary Mitchell, from Chicago, is a devout Catholic who likes to mix the divine truth with humor. She thinks it's the only way we can get through this life! Mary is the mother of three and has been married to her husband, Philip, more than 20 years. She has attempted to live the vows as a Secular Franciscan for about 20 years, but has a long way to go.
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