The service of the poor occupies such a prominent position in Ozanam’s life that it becomes of interest to know how he performed it. It was essentially a service of love. His manner towards the poor was considerate and deferential as towards his equals. He invariably took off his hat on entering their poor abodes, greeting them with his courteous formula, ” I am your servant.” He never preached to them; after giving whatever he had to give, he would sit and chat on any subject likely to cheer or interest them.

When they came to see him they were not kept in the hall, but were shown into his study, where he would draw forward a comfortable chair, and behave in every way as towards visitors whom he was glad to honor.

At Christmas he always took them some little present — a book, a picture, or some trifle he knew they fancied.

Taken from Kathleen O’Meara, “Frederic Ozanam, professor at the Sorbonne; his life and works”, Edinburgh: Edmonston and Douglas, 1876, chapter XVI.

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