Founder

THE FOUNDER : Blesses Frederic Ozanam

Frederic Ozanam was born in 1813 and grew up in Lyon, France. He went to study law at the University of Sorbonne in Paris at a very young age. At the age of 20, he longed to affirm his faith (which meant everything to him) in other ways than with the spoken and written word. With a few friends, Frederic decided to put his faith into practice and help the poor and the underprivileged.

Frederic is an outstanding model of putting faith into action, especially the service of the poor. He proves that to be Vincentians, is not about the clothes you wear or the title before your name. It is about serving the poor in the footsteps of Jesus Christ.

Frederic married Amelie Soulacroix in Lyon and in 1845, he became the proud father of his only child, Mary. Eight years later, Frederic contracted Blight’s disease and after a short battle, prematurely died at the early age of 40. He was beatified on 22 August 1997 by Pope John Paul II, who held him high as an example for all young men and women committed to their faith.