# Father’s Day Prayers and the Workout Rosary
*2017-06-18*

> Bill Young celebrates Father’s Day by praying for earthly and heavenly fathers, honoring Venerable Matt Talbot, and introducing a new “Workout Rosary” challenge that combines exercise with prayer.

## Greeting and Intentions

Good morning, I’m Bill Young. Today is June 18th, Father’s Day, and I want to wish all fathers a happy celebration. We pray for living fathers, for those who have died, for our Heavenly Father, for our priestly fathers who give us the sacraments, and for Pope Francis, our Holy Father. I’ll also be sharing a special rosary while I exercise on a stationary bike my son brought from Orlando.

## The Life of Venerable Matt Talbot

June 18th is the feast day of Venerable Matt Talbot (1856‑1925), the patron of those struggling with alcoholism. Matt was born in Dublin and fell into drinking at age 15. After fifteen years of addiction, he turned to prayer and went “cold turkey,” finding freedom in Christ. We pray for anyone battling addiction—whether to alcohol, drugs, food, sex, or pornography—asking that Matt’s example and intercession bring them strength and recovery.

## Prayer of Abandonment and Matt Talbot’s Intercession

Father, I abandon myself to you; do with me whatever you desire. I place my soul in your hands, trusting wholly in your will. Amen.

We also pray the prayer of abandonment to St. Matt Talbot: “God of mercy, we bless you in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who ministers to all who come to him. Grant strength to those bound by the chains of addiction; restore them to the freedom of God’s children. Look with compassion on those who have lost home and liberty; give patience and love to those who care for them. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.”

## Introducing the Workout Rosary Challenge

I’m launching the “Workout Rosary Challenge.” While I pedal on a stationary bike, I will pray the rosary, and I invite anyone to combine any form of exercise—walking, treadmill, cycling—with the rosary. This multitasking lets us pray to Our Lady while caring for our bodies, following the example of Pope Francis, who emphasizes health, service to the poor, and prayer. Priests such as Fr. Chris, Fr. Michael Gailey, Fr. Steve, and Fr. Jack McCormick are encouraged to join, showing the faithful how to balance ministry with personal well‑being.

## Closing Thoughts

May all fathers—earthly, heavenly, and priestly—feel God’s love today. I hope the Workout Rosary inspires you to grow spiritually and physically, and I look forward to sharing a video of my bike‑rosary soon.

*Combining prayer with physical activity helps us honor God, stay healthy, and serve others more effectively.*