Written By: Siobhan O’Donoghue, M. Div., Director of Faculty and Staff Engagement, Mission & Ministry

“Do not be afraid of new beginnings. Be creative. Be inventive. You who have energy: who have enthusiasm; who want to do something of value for the future; Be inventive, launch out; Do not wait!”
– Quote attributed to Blessed Frédéric Ozanam

Every year on September 9, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul celebrates the Feast Day of Blessed Frédéric Ozanam, one of the principal founders of the Society. Frédéric was a gifted scholar, a professor, a lawyer, and a pioneer of social change.

In his invitation quoted above, Frédéric asks us to consider the opportunity presented by new beginnings. As we embark upon the start of this new school year, Frédéric’s invitation seems particularly relevant.

With the busyness of the new academic year starting up, may we make the most of Frédéric’s invitation as we stand on the threshold of something new.

Reflection/Discussion Questions:

• As we begin a new academic year, what are you excited about? What do you hope to create or invent?
• What, if anything, may make you feel a little anxious about this beginning?
• What might you do to help fuel your excitement and minimize your anxiety?

[1] See Sunnie Lain, “The Feast Day of Blessed Frederic Ozanam,” 9 September 2019, Society of St. Vincent de Paul Dayton, https://stvincentdayton.org/the-feast-day-of-blessed-frederic-ozanam-2/.