Founder of the Society

Blessed Frederic Ozanam (1813 - 1853)

"I would like to embrace the whole world in a network of charity"

"In my life I want to become better and do a little good"

1813 Frederic was born in Milan in April of that year.

1832 he went to Paris to study at the Sorbonne University.

1833 The first Conference of the Society was formed by Frederic and his companions, and placed under the patronage of St. Vincent de Paul. This was a time of great social unrest in France, following the French revolution. Ozanam and his friends participated in many debates at University and Frederic found himself defending Christianity from the attacks of other students. He was aware of the great poverty there was in Paris and Frederic realised the Church must back up its faith by concrete charitable actions. He approached the Daughters of Charity who introduced him to poor families and he and his friends began to live the Gospel command 'show love to your neighbour' by visiting those living in dreadful poverty, and bringing what food and comfort they could.

1834 "The question which is agitating the world today is a social one. It is a struggle between those who have nothing and those who have too much. It is a violent clash of opulence and poverty which is shaking the ground under our feet. Our duty as Christians is to throw ourselves between these two camps in order to accomplish by love what justice alone cannot do"

1839 By the age of 26 he had obtained a Doctorate in Law and Literature.

1853 Frederic died at the early age of 40 years.

1997 Pope John Paul II beatified him.