Blessed Frederic Ozanam (Feast Day September 9)

April 23, 1813-September 8, 1853

Frederic was a Frenchman born in Milan, Italy in 1813. He was raised in Lyon, France in a devout Catholic family. When he was 15 years old Frederic struggled with doubts about his faith, but he was helped through them by a local priest. Fredric later went to Paris to study law, where he excelled in apologetics, and was known for fiercely defending his Catholic faith. One day another student challenged Frederic to consider what he could do to live out his faith, instead of just talking about it. Frederic was inspired by this challenge to gather a group of students and "go to the poor" as Jesus had done. It was this group of students, who went out to serve the poor and lonely, that eventually became the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.

On June 23, 1841, Frederic married Amelie Soulacroix. Together they had a daughter. He remembered his wife on the 23^rd^ of each month with flowers and a poem expressing his love for her. Frederic continued to serve the poor even while pursuing his academic work. He visited them in their homes and spent countless hours with them. Sadly, Frederic died at the age of 40. The St. Vincent de Paul Society is still active today and serves the poor around the world.

• Who are you more like -- Martha or Mary? Explain your answer.

• Why is it important to listen to Jesus speak?

• Share a time when you have felt anxious or worried about something. How can you let Jesus help you with that?

• Blessed Frederic Ozanam had doubts about his faith when he was young. Have you ever had doubts about your faith? If so, what were (are) they?

Yard Sale

Blessed Frederic Ozanam put his faith into action with the St. Vincent de Paul society. Do the same with what you have at home. 

Clean out your home and host a yard sale. Consider giving the proceeds to a local charity or your parish. You can also have a lemonade stand or sell concessions (popcorn, etc.) to raise funds. Consider donating new and gently used items to your local St. Vincent de Paul thrift store.

Pulled Pork Tacos

In honor of Martha and Mary, let the slow cooker do most of the cooking today!

2 ½ pounds boneless pork shoulder or pork butt, trimmed of excess fat
2 cups store bought salsa, plus more for serving
2 Tbsp chili powder
2 Tbsp dried oregano
2 Tbsp cocoa powder
½ tsp cayenne or hot red pepper to taste (optional)
1 tsp salt
18 corn tortillas

Toppings:

Salsa
½ cup of cilantro leaves chopped (optional)
½ cup or more sour cream
2 limes cut into wedges
½ cup or more chopped onion

In a 4--6-quart slow cooker, combine salsa, chili powder, oregano, coco powder, cayenne pepper and salt. Add pork and turn to coat. Cook, covered, until the meat is pull-apart tender (4-5 hours on high or 7-8 hours on low). When done, shred pork with two forks and stir into cooking liquid. Serve with warmed corn tortillas and toppings as desired. About 20 minutes before serving, heat oven to 350 F. Wrap corn tortillas in foil and bake until warmed, about 15 minutes.

Help Me Be Still

This prayer can help us be more like Mary in today's Gospel.

I am so sorry, Lord,
that in my hurrying and scurrying,
I can often miss you at work
before me, within me,
in the majesty of creation
and complexity of the created.

I forget all you have done
and continue to do -
You restore and vindicate
redeem and rescue
in an economy
in a timeline
not our own.

Help me be still
to become one with the Three
to move grounded
in your power
in your mercy
in your love
in fullness of your truth.

Even in my weakness
In my confusion
In my anger
In my frustration
In my sorrow and shortsightedness

Help me simply to be
For still, you are God.

-By Rakhi McCormick of Rakstar Designs

God can speak to us through all the things we say and do at Mass. 

What do you hear God saying to you today?

Each day this week, compliment or encourage each person in your family.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul has 5,000 councils and conferences across the United States to assist those in need. Members are called Vincentians. Through their outreach programs, they meet urgent needs, including feeding families and providing beds, clothing, and utility assistance.