The “Ozanam Cafe” Project Addresses Social Issues from a Vincentian viewpoint
In June and July, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Cincinnati (USA) is hosting a weekly Wednesday zoom session from 12.00 to 13.15, a chance for everyone to exchange ideas on topics related to the Catholic Social Teaching. Participants are free to attend as many online meetings as they wish.
This seven-week project will tackle issues such as “Human life and dignity”, “Call to family, community and involvement”, “Solidarity”, “the dignity of work and the rights of workers”, “Option for the poor and vulnerable”, “Care for God’s creation” and “Rights and duties”. The project is devoted to Blessed Antoine-Frédéric Ozanam, regarded as one of the forerunners of the Social Doctrine of the Catholic Church.
On 15th July, fellow member Renato Lima, 16th President General, attended the weekly session which addressed the issue of “Option for the poor and vulnerable”. “It was an enriching debate focused on better grasp the needs of marginalized people. Intolerance and racism, as well as other social issues, were also addressed. A good updated training session on social justice and defense of the most vulnerable. It is essential to be knowledgeable about the needs of the poor and their reality based by means of charity and justice.”, stressed Renato.
The “Ozanam Cafe” is an initiative launched by “Ozanam Center for Services and Learning”, providing a wide range of activities, evening retreats and immersion experiences. Under normal circumstances, the Ozanam Center would be holding week-long summer retreats for high-school and university students, teaching lessons on social issues. Due to the pandemic, these retreat are virtual.
If you want to join in, just email our fellow member Maureen Kelly, Project Coordinator (mkelly@svdpcincinnati.org).
The SSVP Cincinnati (USA) has provided support to the needy for 151 years. Through Conferences, home visits are made, and people are assisted through a three-fold approach (spiritually, emotionally and materially). Moreover, groundbreaking initiatives are undertaken: the “Charity Pharmacy”, food pantries, Vincentian thrift stores and support centers across the city. For further info: www.svdpcincinnati.org.
