The Diocese of Orlando marked Father's Day, which originated as a Catholic holiday, on Sunday by asking for prayers for all who serve as fathers, even when they’re not biological fathers.

“Happy Father’s Day! Join us in praying for all our fathers and for those who give a father’s love to others. St. Joseph, foster father of Jesus, pray for all fathers! Amen,” the diocese posted on Facebook.

Father's Day has its origins as a Catholic holiday, dating back to sometime in the Middle Ages. It used to be celebrated on March 19, which is also the feast of St. Joseph, one of the key fathers in the Church’s history. 

St. Joseph was engaged to Mary at the time she became pregnant with Jesus, Catholic.org recounts. Joseph knew the baby wasn’t his, but he also knew that adulterous women could be stoned to death, so he decided to send her quietly away to avoid the punishment. Before she left, however, an angel visited Joseph and told him that he should marry Mary because the child she carried was the son of God. Joseph trusted the angel’s message and took Mary as his wife. Joseph is the patron saint of the Universal Church, unborn children and fathers. 

"Fatherhood has its origins in God, who chose to reveal Himself to us as Our Father, sending his only Son for the sake of our salvation," the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) said. "Fathers therefore have a special role 'in revealing and in reliving on earth the very fatherhood of God' (Familiaris consortio 25). Father’s Day is an appropriate time to recall the essential role of fathers in the life of the family and in building a culture of life. It is also an opportunity to highlight spiritual fatherhood, which all men are called to embrace.”