The Rule: Ozanam Recommended Simplicity

The young men, meeting in that first Conference of Charity in 1833, had no thought of it developing beyond a local grouping, and most certainly not a world-wide organization. In fact, at the end of the first year when the Conference split into three, a number were apprehensive of the move because of the fear of loss of fraternal intimacy. 
Nevertheless with the increasing number of units in Paris, and the spread into the provinces, it was inevitable that structures (e.g. a Council of Management and the Council General) should be established.

It was equally imperative that there be a constitution and rules. Emmanuel Bailly, the Society’s first President, drew up the format and the general principles. François Lallier, one of the founding six students, drafted the articles – he was then 21 years of age. 

It appears that Frederic Ozanam had some input. It is recorded that he recommended to his young friend François that he keep the rules simple and avoid rigidity. His reasoning for flexibility was that members can respond to the Spirit and follow what Providence wishes, rather than being bound by rules and formulae. 

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