Message from the Library President

9th September, is the Feast of Blessed Antoine-Frederick Ozanam, the founder of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul. Frederick Ozanam was married, a father, and died at the age of 40. In 1997 he was beatified by Saint John Paul II.

What does he have to do with the Caroline Chisholm Library?

Our library exists to nourish Catholic faith and culture, and that means that in the first place, the Library is an oasis of learning and wisdom, study and peace, and, of contemplation in the bustle of the city. We are not, however, a monastery, withdrawn from the activities of the world and serving only by prayer.We exist to equip our members and those we serve to give those whom we know and those whom we can contact the fruits of our contemplation and study.

Our Lord was definite about the two greatest commandments – to love God with our whole being, and to love our neighbour as we love ourselves. Love means action. This was the challenge that Frederick Ozanam met when he was challenged by critics, who accused him and his fellow students, of talk without action. He led others in the practical relief of the poor, the work his committed followers still carry out.

Like Caroline Chisholm, and very many of our members and supporters, he was a lay member of the church, married, a parent, and with a particular vocation as an organizer of relief for people in need. Especially when others had seen the need but not recognized it, or had not known what to do about it.

May the library (in which we labour, study and delight) nourish our hearts and minds as we find the works of love we are called to do, each with our own gifts.

Blessed Frederick Ozanam, pray for us that we may love and serve our brothers and sisters wisely and fruitfully.

Anthony Krohn is President of the Caroline Chisholm Library.