Dear Isabel:

This notion that we cannot call our priests father is a Protestant notion that is in error. This is referring to the passages:

"But you are not to be called ‘rabbi,’ for you have one teacher, and you are all brethren. And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. Neither be called ‘masters,’ for you have one master, the Christ" (Matt. 23:8–10). 

You will notice that the prohibition is to call anyone "father", "teacher", or "master". Are we to stop calling people a teacher? The modern day interpretation of master would be "boss" or "employer." Are we to stop calling our boss a boss. Are we to abandon "Masters" degree in college or stop using the term Master Plumber?

So how are we to interpret this. Jesus was talking about hypocrisy and the pharisees showing off their credentials believing they should have "the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues, and salutations in the market places, and being called ‘rabbi’ by men" (Matt. 23:6–7). This was an issue of pride. Jesus was chastising the Pharisees for their pride, not prohibiting the use of these titles in all situations.

Besides, In Acts 7:2, Stephen refers to "our father Abraham," and  in Romans 9:10, Paul speaks of "our father Isaac."  Thus, to call someone father is not prohibited unless we are to suggest that St. Stephen and St. Paul are disobeying Jesus.

Father is used in many places in the Bible, including calling the Pope a "father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem and to the house of Judah" (that is, the Church) in Isaiah 22:21. (this passage in Isaiah 22:20-22 are the passages from which Jesus quoted when he made Peter the first Pope of the New Covenant).

This notion about "father" is just another example of anti-Catholics not knowing their bible.

For a more complete explanation of this see the pamphlet, Call No Man Father.

God Bless,
Bro. Ignatius Mary