Family and Vocation
The Christian Father
What He Should Be, and What He Should Do
- By Bishop Franz Wilhelm Cramer
- Translated by Father L. A. Lambert
- Introduction by Bishop Stephen Michael Vincent Ryan
Bishop Franz Wilhelm Cramer's practical book on Catholic fatherhood considers a father's duties at home and includes prayers for his state in life.
Read the opening
Introduction and The Name of Father: 2,575 words, about 6 percent of the book, free in the press's own transcription. Read them here.
- Source edition
- 1883, Benziger Brothers
- Manualist edition
- September 2025
First published by Benziger Brothers in 1883, The Christian Father addresses the daily work of Catholic fatherhood. Bishop Cramer writes about authority, example, instruction, discipline, and prayer within the family.
The book was translated by Father L. A. Lambert and opens with an introduction by Bishop Stephen Michael Vincent Ryan.
From the text
They belong in every way much more to him than to you. He has only intrusted them to you.
Why this book
Bishop Cramer treats fatherhood as a vocation with duties that reach beyond material provision. His practical counsel remains direct and searching.
Edition note
This edition includes the translator named on the title page and Bishop Stephen Michael Vincent Ryan's introduction.
