This week on April 23 we celebrate both the foundation of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, and the birthday of its founder Blessed Frederic Ozanam. The presentation below takes a look at some of Frederic Ozanam’s experiences during the cholera pandemic of his time. In the letters he wrote to his friends we can see many parallels with our situation today– from his un-worried attitude as a young college student, to his bravery in serving the sick; his observation of the “general terror” of the people; his concern for the safety of his wife and daughter; his taking time away to enjoy simple pleasures with family; his gratefulness for dear friends; and his reflections on a time when he felt isolated due to the epidemic.