The notion of social justice was a core motivating factor for the Society’s founder, the Blessed Frederic Ozanam. Indeed, on witnessing first-hand the plight of the marginalised on the streets of 19th Century Paris, Frederic felt compelled to act. The scope of the problem, however, seemed immense. This fact was not lost on certain critics of the fledging Society’s goals. One detractor is reported to have derided Frederic and his colleagues, saying: “What can you hope to accomplish? You are eight poor men, and it is with such resources that you undertake to succour the misery of a city like Paris!” SYDNEY, February 4, 2007 (catholicweekly.com.au): John O’Neill, NSW/ACT State president of the St Vincent de Paul Society, writes for the Catholic Weekly – In discussing the practical dimension of the many good works the St Vincent de Paul Society undertakes to assist people in need, it is perhaps understandable that other less measurable parts of the Vincentian vocation are often overlooked. For example, advocacy in the area of social justice is a vital part of the Society’s work. The notion of social justice was a core motivating factor for the Society’s founder, the Blessed Frederic Ozanam.
Tags: Advocacy
