To beatify someone does not mean to erect a statue of the person. On the contrary, according to the Latin etymology (beatificare = beatum facere), it means “to make happy”.
Indeed, in beatifying Frederic Ozanam, the Church solemnly proclaims in the light of God and for all eternity to all of Christendom, and all youth in particular, the sanctity of the principal founder of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul. At the same time we are all “made happy” because this admirable witness given by one of our brothers in Christ and in humanity fills us with joy, hope and courage.
Over the centuries, the Church has raised men and women to the altar; many have been adults, some elderly, and others vowed to celibacy as a result of their monastic or priestly vows.
But now we are offered a young man as a model, whose life though brief (April 23rd 1813 to September 8th 1853) was nonetheless exceptionally blessed. This young man elevated family, conjugal and fatherly love to a great height. His many and varied commitments, all sustained with the same spiritual vigour, were dedicated to faith and charity, to the Church, to the poor, to science and to democratic spirit. Last but not least, he was a man of flesh, blood and spirit just like us, who incarnated a type of Christian with whom we can identify. He also incarnated an ideal which was nourished by the Gospel and provided answers both to the questionings of his contemporaries and to the concerns of our generation.
Biography
Blessed Frederic Ozanam
A Man rooted in his time
A Man like us
A Man of flesh and blood
A Religious Sensibility
A Lucid Mind
A Family Man
A Filial Affection
Steadfast in Times of Trial
A Man of Two Cities: Lyon and Paris
Lyon: Spiritual Centre, Seat of Rebellion
Paris: Intellectual Capital; Melting Pot of Poverty
A Man who was all heart
A Network of Friendships
Family Love
A Christian Prophet
Frederic Ozanam’s Charisma
A clear consciousness of his vocation
A robust and radiant faith
A courageous commitment
Faith and Charity
The poor: The face of Christ
Charity: The Daughter of Faith
The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul
Faith and Science
A Thirst for culture
The Teaching profession seen as a priesthood
Faith and Democracy
The Alliance between Catholicism and Liberty
The Hope of Regeneration Through Democracy
Let us devote out time to the Barbarians
“The New Era” – Political Commitment
Faith and Social Justice
The Christians and the People
Justice and Charity
Farewell to Life
Hymn to the Lord
A beatification achieved by popular demand
The Ozanam Miracle
