SW News: Catholics in Poland have started an online campaign requesting the Lower House, Sejm, to move the annual observance of Father's Day from June 23 to March 19, the Solemnity of St Joseph.

More than 50,000 people have signed the campaign petition, which was launched by the Center for Life and Family. The organization says in its website that “The date adopted by the Sejm over 50 years ago is not, however, related to any event that is special to us or to any figure who could be a model of fatherhood.”

The campaign is backed by many Catholic leaders, including Archbishop Stanislaw Gadecki, chairman of the bishops' conference.

According to the website of the Center for Life and Family, “Saint Joseph has proven himself to be a good father in all conditions: in difficult moments and in tedious everyday life.” Emulating the example of Spain, Italy, Portugal and Croatia, the organizers said they “want Poland to celebrate Father's Day on the feast of Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary - on March 19..”