The young, with their clear vision, can awaken us and stir our conscience. A gifted law student in Paris was challenged: "Your Church was great! What are you doing now for the poor of Paris?" The majestic city had much dreadful poverty. Those suffering had not even the protection of "Poor Laws". The clear call to demonstrate faith in action echoed deeply in the generous heart of 20-year-old Frederic Ozanam. He was to blossom into one of the glories of the Sorbonne as Professor of Law and as a Dante scholar to be remembered for all time. He realised at 20, and in all the remaining 20 years of his life, that the only time to help and to heal is now. "Let us visit the poor! Let us help! Whatever we can do let us do it .. . now . . . !" Seven united to relieve the suffering they could see.
With the insight that is found in generous youth he perceived the blasphemy of pretending to honour Christ in church, while neglecting and despising His presence in His poor and suffering people. The little group chose for Patron one of the most beloved saints of all time. St Vincent de Paul had reached out to the poverty and the pain, to the darkness and the despair so often to be found beneath the glitter and the glamour of the so called "Gay Paris". Other generous students rallied to the Gospel Cause. The St Vincent de Paul Society had begun. The sincerity and generosity of the helpers caught the imagination. The urgently needed apostolic work, founded on scripture, prayer and sacrament, spread across France, across Europe, and then enfolded the world.
The Society wished to bring food, clothing and medical supplies to those in need. They also conveyed courage, joy, hope and a new dignity to all. In 1844 Ireland got its first working unit ("Conference" was the name given to each group). Daniel O'Connell's son, John, was one of the first to join. The good work took root and spread and recognised no boundaries. France helped Ireland in the dark days of the famine and our people were able to return the favour in later years. Ireland did much to spread the Society in the far flung Diaspora of the years that followed. Across Ireland the Society's name is a household word, beloved and honoured down through all the changing years.
Today one million women and men from the Christian Churches unite in 132 countries to answer the Gospel call. They continue the ever-needed work. Home visitation is warm, friendly and utterly confidential. The service of God's people aims to bring dignity, joy, self reliance and on-going development. Reverence marks the sensitive approach to all. Housing, home management and suitable employment are top priorities. Legal advice, budget counselling and health services are made available. Sunshine Home in Balbriggan has, over the years, provided holidays for children who might never have known the joy of days beside the sea.
The women and men who continue the work of Frederic Ozanam are ever available to listen, to encourage, to understand and to help. The words of St Vincent de Paul provide a beacon light to all. "It is only because of our love .. . because of our love alone .. . that the poor will forgive us for our having bread to give away .. ."
We listen again to our guide in Scripture truth: "The same authority that tells us we shall always have the poor among us also commands that we do all we can that soon no one shall be in need." And he has words to comfort us in our littleness. ".. . we are all makers of some vast tapestry. We never see the finished product. But each of us is vital to the great design .. ."
The call comes today as powerful and as compelling as ever. "The time for talk is over. Let us have some action now! Those who have ears to hear .. . let them hear .. .!"
F.MacN
(Yesterday in Paris, Pope John Paul placed Frederic Ozanam among the "Blessed". The cermony was in Frederic's beloved Notre Dame. Here his friend and counsellor, the great Dominican, Henri Lacordaire, gave the Lenten lectures that awakened many from spiritual slumber.)