Antoine-Frédéric Ozanam
- Born:
- April 23, 1813, Milan, Italy
- Died:
- September 8, 1853, Marseille, France
- Nationality:
- French
- Profession(s):
- Professor of Foreign Literature at the Sorbonne, Lawyer, Writer, Social Activist, Catholic Intellectual
Early Life and Education
- Born into a large family with strong Catholic convictions.
- Showed early intellectual promise, especially in literature and history.
- Studied law in Paris, where he also engaged in intense intellectual and religious debates.
- Received his doctorate in law and literature.
Career and Major Achievements
- Founded the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul in 1833, a lay Catholic organization dedicated to serving the poor.
- Appointed Professor of Commercial Law at Lyon.
- Became Professor of Foreign Literature at the Sorbonne in 1844, a prestigious academic position.
- Published extensively on historical and social issues, often defending the Church and advocating for social justice.
- Actively participated in intellectual circles, debating with prominent thinkers of his time.
Notable Works
- Dante and Catholic Philosophy in the Thirteenth Century (1839)
- Studies on the Germanic Civilisation in the Fifth Century (1847)
- Civilisation in the Fifth Century (1849)
- The Franciscan Poets in Italy in the Thirteenth Century (1852)
Legacy and Impact
Antoine-Frédéric Ozanam dedicated his life to scholarship and service. The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, which he founded, became a global charitable organization, demonstrating a lasting commitment to alleviating poverty. A summary of Antoine-Frédéric Ozanam's biography reveals a man of profound intellect and deep compassion.