Father’s Day Celebration: A Call To Be STARNIC Not SATANIC

By Dr jalarth Uche Opara

Every year Catholic Men under the platform of Catholic Men Organization roll out red carpets, beat drums and create somewhat carnival environment to celebrate themselves and the gift of fatherhood.

Each CMO in every Parish according to the vibrancy, vision etc of its leadership plans the father’s day.

For some Parishes pet projects are launched, to others empowerment of the less privileged among them becomes their key area of concentration while to some it becomes a moment of award giving and conferement of patronship to deserving members of the organisation.

Every father looks forward to this day. All adorned in their CMO uniform. Even those not in the habit of wearing theirs would certainly wear it to appear belonged.

Beyond all these, is the need for fathers to be STARNIC- the very sterling quantities of a father whose role and identity as a father aren’t fogged or blurry. It isn’t a day for fathers to be SATANIC

On this day, when fathers are celebrated not just for who they are, but for what they are called to become—STARNIC men, it is very important to X -ray this word not as an english word but an acronym- S. T.A.R.N.I.C

S – Sacrificing: A father gives of himself his time, comfort, and strength for the good of his family.

T – Transforming: He shapes lives, not by words alone, but by example, discipline, and love.
A – Attending to All: He is present emotionally, spiritually, and physically, leaving no one behind.
R – Rebuilding: Even when things fall apart, he rises to restore, reconcile, and rebuild the home.
N – Nurturing: He cares deeply, raising not just children, but future men and women of value.
I – In: His strength is not self-made; it is rooted…
C – Christ: …in Christ, the true model of love, sacrifice, and fatherhood.
A STARNIC father is like a star—steady, guiding, and shining even in the darkest moments.

Father’ day celebration is a day we honour fathers who strive daily to live not just as men, but as reflections of Christ in their homes and society.

Beyond the funfairs, the eating and drinking, the bedecking the uniforms and the appreciation of the awards of recognition etc . It is most importantly a day for fathers to take stock, introspect, contemplate, stand before a mirror and see who they are gradually becoming STARNIC or SATANIC–S=slaving for sin. A=Abandoning Truth T=Trapped In The Darkness of Risky Behaviour. A= And. N= Numbed To Grace. I = Ignoring Light. C= Cut Off from Christ.

To all our STARNIC fathers happy workers’ day. Happy feast of St Joseph the worker and Happy Father’s day in advance.

Jarlathuche@gmail.com