Raymond Sickinger’s biography of Antoine Frédéric Ozanam is more than a chronological account of Ozanam’s relatively brief but extraordinary life. It is also a comprehensive study of a man who touched many lives as a teacher, writer, and principal founder of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Ozanam’s life encompassed a particularly turbulent time in French history, and he was a witness to two major political upheavals—the overthrow of the Bourbon dynasty that brought Louis Philippe to power in 1830, and the end of Louis Philippe’s “Bourgeois Monarchy” as a result of the 1848 Revolutions. This book examines Ozanam’s life in a number of ways. First, it explores the various roles he played throughout his life—son, sibling, student, member of and an inspiration for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, spouse and father, scholar, and spokesperson for the common people. Second, it examines the lessons he learned in his life, including the importance of friendship, the meaning of solidarity, and the role and purpose of suffering, among many others that he shares with those who study his thought and work. It concludes with an account of Ozanam’s enduring legacy. Antoine Frédéric Ozanam feared that he would not have a fruitful career, but his legacy remains a powerful testimony to his greatness. This book will interest scholars wishing to know more about Ozanam and the period in which he lived, as well as a wider audience, including those who are aware of or are members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.

Cover -- ANTOINE FRÉDÉRIC OZANAM -- Title -- Copyright -- Dedication -- CONTENTS -- List of Illustrations -- Preface -- Acknowledgments -- INTRODUCTION -- PART I. OZANAM'S LIFE -- CHAPTER 1 Son and Sibling -- CHAPTER 2 Student -- CHAPTER 3 The Society of St. Vincent de Paul -- CHAPTER 4 Husband and Father -- CHAPTER 5 Scholar -- CHAPTER 6 Spokesperson for the People -- PART II. OZANAM'S LESSONS AND LEGACY -- CHAPTER 7 Friendship -- CHAPTER 8 Spirituality and Sanctification -- CHAPTER 9 Solidarity: Ozanam and Catholic Social Teaching -- CHAPTER 10 Servant Leadership -- CHAPTER 11 Systemic Thinking and Systemic Change -- CHAPTER 12 Suffering -- CHAPTER 13 An Enduring Legacy -- Notes -- Works Cited -- Index

2013 marks the two hundredth anniversary of the birth of Blessed Antoine-Frederic Ozanam. The worldwide Society of Saint Vincent de Paul has planned celebrations for his birthday and feast day. This new biography, the first in English in many years, is dedicated to this remarkable Catholic layman.

This book has been designed for classroom teachers, years 5-10, to assist with background information and possible ideas for teaching about social justice, as seen through the lens of the St. Vincent de Paul Society experience: its beginnings, founder, patron, spirituality, work, and history in Australia.