“IF I HAVE SEEN FURTHER, IT IS BY STANDING ON THE SHOULDERS OF GIANTS.”

– SIR ISAAC NEWTON

The vision of the Society and the reality of its foundation did not happen through one person alone. While there is a heightened focus on the important role that Frederic Ozanam had, it is equally important to recognise that he was formed by other people who journeyed with him, whether for some time or the whole of his life. In addition, other young people initially joined him in starting the Society, and who themselves had a powerful influence on France during their lifetimes.

Close and lifelong friendships grounded Frederic’s spiritual life as well as enabled and inspired his work. During his period as a student at the Royal College of Lyon, Ozanam met Abbe Noirot, who served as his teacher, mentor, and spiritual director. At sixteen, during a time of sound critiquing of his faith, he found support and guidance from the gentle Noirot. As a young law student in Paris in 1831, Ozanam met Andre Ampere, the French physicist who founded and named the science of electromagnetism and whose name endures in our everyday language in the ampere or amp, the unit for measuring electric current. Through this friendship, Ozanam was connected with Francois Rene de Chateaubriand who was the leading Catholic public intellectual and Romantic writer of the period. His book, The Genius of Christianity, began a religious revival in France that saw many people reengage with their faith through membership with religious groups, including the Society. Ozanam’s personality blossomed through such friendships, and his contemporaries came to describe him as ardent, kind, and zealous.

We know that the first Conference was not a solo endeavour. Frederic Ozanam was joined by Francois Lallier, Jules Devaux, Felix Clave, Auguste Le Taillandier, and Paul Lamache. The meeting was held at the office of the newspaper, Tribune Catholique, which Emmanuel Bailly edited, and who joined the first meeting.

Francois Lallier was a highly recognised magistrate, writer, and scientist, having been awarded with the title of Knight of St. Gregory the Great by Pope Pius IX and the Cross of the Legion of Honour, the highest French order of merit in both military and civil spheres. Auguste Le Taillandier became regional director of one of France’s oldest and most distinguished insurance companies in Rouen, was highly regarded by his fellow citizens and was awarded many honorary titles. Paul Lamache, the longest surviving original member of that first Conference, was an outspoken abolitionist, magistrate, law professor, and proud Conference member until his death. Most remained connected to Conferences and the Society at the time of their deaths. Finally, we recall the crucial role that Emmanuel Bailly played in supporting the Society in its infancy. While he lived a complicated and tumultuous life, his service as the first President of the Society influenced the configurations and operations of the Society that continue today. It is right that he is remembered for his enduring legacy of mentoring and leadership.

As we remember Frederic Ozanam, it is also important to acknowledge the community of people that surrounded him. Their lives are the foundations of the Society. We stand on the shoulders of giants.

From: Firewood for the soul, vol. 2, A Reflexion Book for the Whole Vincentian Family
St. Vincent de Paul Society, Queensland, Australia.
Text by: Samantha Hill and James Hodge.