The Saints: Blessed Frederic Ozanam

1813 - 1853 / Feast - Sept. 8
 

At Frederic’s 1997 beatification in Paris, Pope John Paul II called him a model for Catholic laypeople.

He taught literature at the Sorbonne, was happily married and had a daughter. Beginning in 1831 he was part of a group of young Catholic intellectuals who discussed literature, history and society, while also visiting the poor and sick at home. They became the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, which is still active worldwide.

Frederic joined the Third Order of St. Francis shortly before his death at age 40.