© Ellen LaCapria, DC

When we speak of the greatest movers and changers the world has ever known, many individuals flood the mind. They come from all different nations and disciplines, but more often than not, they reach their pinnacle in the later years of life. Frédéric Ozanam is special in this regard.

Frédéric Ozanam truly is one of the best models from whom university students can learn. An intellectual and defender of faith, he took a challenge and changed the face of the earth at the age of twenty.

“What is your church doing now? What is she doing for the poor of Paris? Show us your works and we will believe you!”

He decided his life’s works would serve as testament to the church and the goodness that flows from it. He helped create and sustain one of the greatest organized charity efforts of all time, this legacy continues today.

There are so many opportunities, on the St. John’s University campus, for one to learn more about the life of Ozanam and resources to help begin work towards the justice issues they may be passionate about.

We are continuously challenged…

How do we serve as defenders of the church and faith today? Do we actively live the gospel? Do our careers or course of study converge with the faith as Ozanam’s did? Do we fully accept the need for charity and justice to go hand in hand? If so, what are we actively doing to perform acts of charity and live as workers of justice?

By: Victoria O’Keefe of St. John’s University