Anniversary of Blessed who helped the poor

Last month, the Society of St Vincent de Paul in France commemorated three anniversaries – namely 200 years since the birth of its founder Frederick Ozanam, 180 years since its foundation and 160 years since his death – by organising various conferences and a Mass at the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris. Malta was represented by president Joseph Attard and John Gauci Maistrè. The society is found in 148 countries with 800,000 members from all over the world.

The society knows its foundation in Malta in 1850 to Rev. Dr Paolo Pullicino while Mgr Isidor Formosa was its spiritual director for 40 years.

The Council in Malta commemorated the three anniversaries with a concelebrated Mass at St John’s Co-Cathedral on Saturday April 25, led by Archbishop Mgr Paul Cremona, while concelebrating with him were Archbishop Emeritus Mgr Joseph Mercieca and Fr Stefan Galea. A group of altar boys from the parish of Mosta assisted during Mass. St Paul Choral Society, under director and organist Hugo Agius Muscat, offered their services.

Frederick Ozanam founded the Society of St Vincent de Paul when he was still a university student of 20 years. Together with a small group of colleagues, he wanted to help the poor and needy who could be seen in their hundreds roaming the streets of Paris. He died aged 40 and was beatified by Pope John Paul II on August 22, 1997 at Notre Dame cathedral.

Anyone who would like to join the society in Malta or would like information about the Society can contact Joseph Spiteri on tel: 2141 0914 or George Spiteri on tel: 2122 0007.