The Diocese of Phoenix honored fathers and other men Sunday on Father's Day, which originated as a Catholic holiday.

“Dads, grandpas, priests - we love you,” the diocese said on Facebook. “As Bishop (Thomas) Olmsted says, ‘Fatherhood changes everything.’ Thank you for the sacrifices you make for the souls entrusted to you. Thank you for loving us like only you can. Have a blessed and restful Father's Day!"

Father's Day got its start as a Catholic holiday back in the Middle Ages. It used to be celebrated on March 19, which is a feast day for St. Joseph.

St. Joseph was one of the best early examples of fatherhood as an act of love that extends beyond biological fatherhood. Joseph and Mary were engaged when she became pregnant with Jesus, Catholic.org explains. Even though he knew the baby wasn’t his, Joseph was aware that adulterous women could be punished, usually stoned to death. In an effort to protect her and the unborn child, Joseph decided instead to send her quietly away. An angel visited him before she left and told Joseph that he should take Mary as his wife because the child she carried was the son of God. Joseph took what the angel said to heart and married Mary.

As a result of his actions, Joseph became 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.”