Green Bay Newsletter - 1990

Over one hundred and thirty years after his death, Frederic Ozanam continues to live in the minds and hearts of his followers - the members of the Society of St. Vincent De Paul, a lay charitable organization founded by him in 1833.

Ozanam enjoys a prominent place in the Annals of Man. His is an honored station, richly deserved.

In a few years (1813-1853), Frederic Ozanam lived long and effectively. As a young student in Paris, when the Sorbonne was characterized by a fashionable Atheism, he stood, almost alone, to offer refutation - courageously, graciously, persuasively. He dreamed the magnificent dreams of a young idealist. He set for himself the task of demonstrating from the history of all antiquity and the ages both the validity and the virility of Christianity.

From this noble undertaking - impossible task, for a single scholar - he never turned aside; and in his trying, produced lasting and important historical works. He took his chances with life because of dedication of this Christcentered goal; he gave up his promise and prospects as a practicing lawyer, opting for his first love in the struggling life of a Professor of History and Literature.

His genius of mind was matched by his capacity for work -so much so that, at twenty-seven, he became the youngest ever appointee to the faculty of the Sorbonne; and at thirty one, the youngest full time professor. A teacher whose writings were both prolific and scholarly, he nevertheless maintained the human touch, setting aside several hours in each day for student conferences and individual consultation.

If today we especially laud those who understand and practice the art of human relationships, Ozanam comes off with the highest of ratings. He loved his family - attentively, consistently. He retained the youthful armour of his marriage, observing each month the wedding anniversary with a thoughtfully chosen remembrance. In a busy world and life, he found time for his only daughter, entertaining her at his knees with tales and imagery of the past which he knew so well.

His love for fellow men was constant and helpful - without patronization. He was as familiar in the slums of Paris, where he shared his personal means and those of fellow members of the Society of St. Vincent De Paul in order to relieve pain and suffering. Recognizing at the same time the widespread dimensions of poverty and its social implications, Ozanam publicly advocated a quite unpopular philosophy - the rights and dignity of every individual; the demands of social justice; the need for equality of opportunity in education and employment. He pioneered modern concepts of Christian social justice.

Ozanam loved and died a young man. At the age of forty when his career and talents were just reaching full bloom, he was struck down by tuberculosis. His health and vigor quickly decreased.

A person of enormous diligence and eager talent, Ozanam loved life and prayed for survival. But Our Lord was calling the young professor and leader in charity to Himself. The signs became clear to the dying man. His faith did not falter; he accepted without murmur "whatever would be God's will. "

>From his youth, Ozanam had read each day from the Scriptures; and, in the Word of God, he now found added comfort and peace. The Bread of Love made him strong within.

Ozanam's last illness thus became a marvelous climax to an exemplary Christian life. His actions, on the one hand, encourage all to cherish the gift of aliveness and to cultivate fully human talents. But his reactions also counsel men to regard life here as a treasure given for a limited time only, a blessing to be grateful for while it lasts, a benefaction returnable at the Master's bidding.

A good man is a good man . . . is a good man. Even so, each period of history establishes its concept of goodness, requiring of those so classified the special virtues which match the unique needs and spirit of the times. Thus, the model man for modern men is usually associated with such terms and practices as personal maturity; social responsibility; sensitivity to others and to all living beings; compassion; authenticity. These are the very qualities which Ozanam cultivated to an extraordinary degree.

If people everywhere - and especially the young - seek identity in a Man for Now, their best model can be found, we suggest, in the person of Frederic Ozanam.

Enthusiasm for the man and his achievements has not diminished through the passing years; and today many voices are being raised, suggesting and praying that the Church herald his example by declaring him a modern day saint.

In order for the Church to publicly acclaim that a human being enjoys eternal blessedness before God, she requires carefully documented evidence of that person's heroic virtue. In 1979, Rev. Etienne Diebold, C.M., completed a comprehensive study of Ozanam's activities and writings for presentation to the Sacred Congregation For The Causes of Saints.

It is ordinarily necessary, moreover, that God attest to an individual's sanctity through His miraculous intervention in human affairs. More specifically, persons incurably ill must be restored to health through the direct intervention of the Heavenly Father, responding to prayers in which divine aid is sought through the "to-besainted's" intercession.

In order for Ozanam to be Beatified, two miracles are usually required; and another two for his ultimate Canonization.

Members of the Society of St. Vincent De Paul are convinced that many favors and quasi-miracles have taken place over the years because of their turning to Ozanam when confronted with difficulties in their own lives and in the lives of the poor whom they tried to assist.

Vincentians believe that others may wish to share in the strength and love which God appears so generously to provide through the mediation of Frederic Ozanam.

It seems fitting that the charitable Ozanam should continue as a providential instrument for helping those who are or will be beset by sorrows and deprivations - even those who, near death, might yet be called back to life because the prayer raised to God through Ozanam's intercession has been well heard.

Remember Ozanam in your personal trials or when grave illness threatens self or loved ones.

Green Bay Newsletter 1990