Praying for Patrick and Eliza – And For Understanding Of Father Hunger

Father Hunger is an astonishingly insightful phrase that has been profoundly meaningful to me ever since I first heard it from my friend, poet Patrick McCauley, 2 or 3 decades ago. (Patrick is in mourning for the recent tragic loss of his deeply loved daughter, Eliza.)

This morning, I made this little prayer at the side of St Patrick’s cathedral, Melbourne, where there is a wonderful statue of St Francis of Assisi:

I am not sure if I know what Father Hunger is, but my instincts tell me that it’s a two way street.

Many men hunger to be the best fathers they can be.

And children hunger for fathering and mothering too.

We are all children of God.

Thank you, Lord, for all the possibilities you give to us including that free will which can bless us – and destroy ……..

Ad Maiorem Dei Gloriam Patrumque Matrumque Filiarumque Filiorumque

May all children and parents find their divine glory in each other.

And solace in The Word if they can’t.

Geoff Fox, May 30, 2025, Melbourne, Aistralia