FEAST OF BLESSED FREDERIC OZANAM

September 9

Gospel: (Luke 10: 25-37)

“And who is my neighbor?  Jesus replied: “There was a man going down from Jerusalem to Jericho who fell in with robbers.  They stripped him, beat him, and then went off leaving him half-dead.  A priest happened to be going down the same road; he saw him but continued on.  Likewise there was a Levite who came the same way; he saw him and went on.  But a Samaritan who was journeying along came on him and was moved to pity at the sight.  He approached him and dressed his wounds, pouring in oil and wine as a means to heal. He then hoisted him on his own beast and brought him to an inn, where he cared for him.  The next day he took out two silver pieces and gave them to the innkeeper with the request: “Look after him, and if there is any further expense I will repay you on my way back.”  Which of these three, in your opinion, was neighbor to the man who fell in with the robbers?”  The answer came, “The one who treated him with compassion.” Jesus said to him, “Then go and do the same.”

Vincentian Meditation:

“Even though Frederic Ozanam held with great distinction a professorial chair in the Sorbonne University of Paris, he still found time to climb the stairs of high tenements to visit, talk with and assist the poor families who eked out their existence in them. And so,Frederic Ozanam would remind us that the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is rooted and founded in the experience of visiting the poor in person. In person—yes, what has characterized the Society from its beginnings, and must continue to do so, is its determination to be more than an agency of relief.  Its members are called to be not only dispensers of food and fuel and clothing to the poor—but dispensers, too, of the love and compassion of Christ, which has been poured into their own hearts by the Spirit of God.”  (McCullen, Deep Down Things, p.148)

Discussion:

(Share your thoughts on the readings after a moment of silence)

How are we, in our Conference, living the spirit of Frederic?

Closing Prayer:

A Litany in Honor of Blessed Frederic Ozanam

Frederic Ozanam, defender of faith, pray for us.

Frederic Ozanam, promoter of hope, pray for us.

Frederic Ozanam, apostle of charity, pray for us.

Frederic Ozanam, exemplary husband and father, pray for us.

Frederic Ozanam, lover of poverty and the poor, pray for us.

Frederic Ozanam, advocate of the dignity of the human person, pray for us.

Frederic Ozanam, servant of the truth, pray for us.

Frederic Ozanam, model for Catholic teachers and professors, pray for us.

Frederic Ozanam, disciple of St. Vincent De Paul, pray for us.

Frederic Ozanam, faithful son of the Church, pray for us.

Frederic Ozanam, our intercessor at the throne of God, pray for us. Amen

The Vincentian Weekly Reflections are offered to all who strive to serve the poor in the spirit of St. Vincent de Paul. The prayer and reflections are based on the Sunday Gospel of the Liturgical Calendar, together with the feast days of some of the saints of our Vincentian Family.  Each reflection offers a time for prayer, silence and  discussion so that our everyday life, like Vincent, can become penetrated with the strength of the Word of God. To view the entire weekly reflection resource, click here.