Federic Ozanam was born in Milan on the 23rd of April 1813, but he spent most of his life in France. He was among the founders of the “Conferences of Saint Vincent de Paul” for the assistance of the poor and played a significant role in their expansion. As a professor at the Sorbonne University in Paris, he distinguished himself in the field of academics and faith. He was married and was an exemplary father. He lived in deep communion with God and was a model in the practice of Christian virtues. After a long illness, he died in Marseille on the 8th of September 1853. He was beatified by Pope John Paul II on the 22nd of August 1997.
Invitatory Antiphon: How wonderful is God among His saints; come let us adore Him.
Hymn
This is the day whereon the Lord’s true witness,
Whom all the nations lovingly do honour,
Worthy at last was found to wear forever
Glory transcendent.
Oft hath it been through his sublime deserving,
Poor human bodies howsoever stricken,
Broke and cast off the bondage of their sickness,
Healed divinely.
Healing and power grace and beauteous honor,
Always be his, who shining in the highest,
Ruleth and keepteh all the world’s vast order,
One God, three persons.
Antiphon 1: Beyond doubt, providence does not need us for the execution of its merciful designs: but we, we need it.
Antiphon 2: I am very much persuaded that, in case of charitable works, one must he worry about resources; some always come along.
Antiphon 3: The blessing of the poor is the blessing of God.
Scripture Reading
James 2:12-17.
So, speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment. What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also, faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
Short Responsory
V. May our works be a sign of faith and give you praise, O God.
R. May our works be a sign of faith and give you praise, O God.
V. May my life be a song of love.
R. May our works be a sign of faith and give you praise, O God.
V. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
R. May our works be a sign of faith and give you praise, O God.
Benedictus Antiphon: What are we going to do to translate our faith into deeds? Let us go to the poor.
Intercessions
Let us confidently address our prayer to the God of mercy and love, so that in His Church, the ardor for evangelization and service to the poor may increase:
R. Make us witnesses and heralds of Your salvation, Lord.
God of goodness, fill this new day with works of fraternal charity, and may those we encounter receive a message of Your love from us. R.
As participants in the prophetic mission of Christ, let us announce the wonders of Your love through both words and deeds. R.
Forgive us, Lord, if we have failed to recognize You in the poor, the unfortunate, and the marginalized, or if we have wronged Your Son in these brothers and sisters. R.
Send Your Spirit upon us, that our charity may be authentic and without hypocrisy. R.
Our Father
Concluding Prayer
O God, Who inspired Blessed Frederick Ozanam,
and inflamed him with Your spirit of charity,
in promoting lay associations for the assistance of the poor,
grant us, through his example,
to fulfill Your commandment of love,
and to be the leaven in the world we live in.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son
Who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever.
Hymn
For all the saints who from their labors rest,
who Thee by faith before the world confessed;
Thy name, O Jesus, be forever blest.
Alleluia, Alleluia!
Thou wast their Rock, their Fortress and their Might;
Thou, Lord, their Captain in the well-fought fight;
Thou, in the darkness drear, their one true Light.
Alleluia, Alleluia!
O blest communion, fellowship divine!
We feebly struggle, they in glory shine;
yet all are one in Thee, for all are Thine.
Alleluia, Alleluia!
Antiphon 1: The knowledge of social well-being is to be learned in climbing the: stairs to the poor man's garret.
Antiphon 2: When the hardships of time are inventing new forms of suffering can we rest satisfied with old remedies?
Antiphon 3: If all cannot advise princes, redeem captives, evangelize infidels... all can serve God by prayer.
Scripture Reading
Galatians 6:8b-10.
The one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Short Responsory
V. If you sow in the Spirit, you will reap eternal life.
R. If you sow in the Spirit, you will reap eternal life.
V. Let us work for the good of all.
R. If you sow in the Spirit, you will reap eternal life.
V. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
R. If you sow in the Spirit, you will reap eternal life.
Magnificat Antiphon: All can help the poor with a good deed or a kind word.
Intercessions
Gathered in memory of Blessed Federico Ozanam, and recalling his love for our poorest brothers and sisters, we address our joyful prayer to the Father:
R. Give us Your love, O Lord.
Unite in charity those who partake of the same bread of life, may we build the Church in unity and peace.
May our readiness for brotherly service reflect Your commandment, may the light of salvation shine more brightly on every person. R.
Enlighten legislative assemblies with Your wisdom, guiding them to make just and sublime laws. R.
Protect those consecrated to the service of their brothers and sisters, grant them to carry out their mission in freedom and peace.
May our departed brothers and sisters who recognized Your presence in their poor brothers and sisters contemplate You without end in Your eternal kingdom. R.
Our Father
Concluding Prayer
O God, Who inspired Blessed Frederick Ozanam,
and inflamed him with Your spirit of charity,
in promoting lay associations for the assistance of the poor,
grant us, through his example,
to fulfill Your commandment of love,
and to be the leaven in the world we live in.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son
Who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever.
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