Part of a Series on Vincentian Heritage Places

Église Saint-Germain l’Auxerrois

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Both Amélie and Frédéric Ozanam hoped to become parents and raise a large family. Unfortunately, this was not to be. Between 1842 and 1843 Amélie experienced two miscarriages, and she spent considerable time recovering with her parents in Lyon. After her first miscarriage, in the summer of 1842, she was slow to return from her visit. Her parents, especially her mother, were highly protective of her. Frédéric again felt the pangs of separation he had experienced before his marriage: “How painful it was for me to be separated from you, Amélie. With what deep bonds God unites our hearts!” He wrote to her: “When I saw the carriage that bore you away disappear, I ran to St. Germain L’Auxerrois, to pour out my feelings. I remained for 20 minutes drowned in sorrow and I shed many tears.” He grew impatient to have his wife back home in Paris; this impatience led to some turbulence in the Ozanam household. However, both spouses were quick to forgive and to forget any perceived wrongs.

Source: Antoine Frédéric Ozanam by Raymond L. Sickinger, University of Notre Dame Press

L’église Saint-Germain l’Auxerrois à Paris.

Saint-Germain l’Auxerrois Interior, facing the choir and altar

All Vincentian Places in this Series

Red = Vincent de Paul, Blue = Frederic Ozanam, Teal = Elizabeth Seton, Yellow = Louise de Marillac

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