The other candidates are Charlene Richard, a devout 12-year-old who died of leukemia in 1959, and Lt. In 2020, he was among three individuals from Acadiana who were put forth for canonization and were declared Servants of God, itself an important honor. Eventually, the cause came to the attention of Don Luis Fernando Escalante, a postulator from Rome, who will present the plea for canonization at the Vatican. He died in a Lafayette nursing home on July 6, 1977, but his presence in the community was remembered and remained for many years.įriends and relatives formed a foundation to propose Pelafigue for sainthood in 2012.

A website dedicated to Pelifague refers to him as an apostle, missionary, catechist, evangelist and deacon of the 20 th century. In 1953, Bishop Jules Jeanmard presented Pelafigue with a Papal diploma and cross, courtesy of the Pope, at the request of the parish priest. Martin parishes and at a small Catholic school and was a church volunteer.įor most of his life, he lived in a small cabin, participated in daily Mass, organized children’s plays on important holy days and took long walks around the countryside to share League of the Sacred Heart leaflets with neighbors. He earned teaching credentials at Normal, and at what is now the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. 10, 1888, and his family immigrated to Arnaudville a year later. Affectionately called “Nonco” – a Cajun variation of uncle - by his family and neighbors, his legacy of piety, faith and humility was well-known in the Arnaudville community. Pelafigue is described as a humble man, a teacher and faithful Catholic who lived simply and inspired faith in others. Pelafigue attended two terms at Northwestern State University when it was known as Louisiana State Normal School, from January through August 1909, where he was a member of the Apostleship of Prayer, a League of the Sacred Heart, a universal Catholic organization. The formal paperwork, documents and other items for Pelafigue’s sainthood cause are now at the Vatican in the possession of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, which oversees causes for beatification and canonization.Ī ceremony took place in May to conclude the process begun by members of the Pelafigue family and friends from his hometown of Arnaudville and other supporters from the Diocese. NATCHITOCHES – The cause for sainthood of Auguste “Nonco” Pelafigue has advanced from the Diocese of Lafayette to Rome. Center for Positivity, Well-Being, & Hope.Wellness, Recreation, and Activities Center (WRAC).International Student Resource Center & Study Abroad.

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