Prayer cloths with the face of Charlene Richard were distributed as part of the event. 

As the cause for canonization of three Acadiana natives continues in the Church, it is proving to be an exciting time to be Catholic.

A panel held at the Sliman Theater on Friday as part of the Books Along the Teche Literary Festival gave a deeper insight into the three candidates for sainthood in the Roman Catholic Church: Charlene Richard, Auguste Robert “Nonco” Pelafigue and the Rev. Joseph “Verbis” Lafleur.

The Rev. Don Bernard, who oversees St. Edward Catholic Church and St. Edward Elementary School in New Iberia, moderated the panel with the Revs. Michael Richard and Taylor Reynolds. All three were experts in the sometimes confusing world of canonizing notable Catholics and shared their insight on the three candidates for sainthood.

Charlene Richard, the most well-known of the three candidates, is also furthest along in the canonization process. Reynolds, who was present when the local research into the cause was officially sent to Rome for the next stage of the canonization process, provided a detailed history of Charlene’s life and the impact the 12-year-old had among the local faithful after she died in 1959.

Unlike most causes for sainthood, Reynolds said reports of miracles from those asking for the intercession of Charlene came up before research had even begun for canonization. Reynolds gave a simple answer when asked if there were any stories of miracles associated with Charlene.

“Is the pope Catholic?” he answered with a laugh.

Bernard took up the case for Pelafigue, who lived in Arnaudville and was affectionately known as “Nonco” among local Cajuns.

As opposed to the amazing stories of Charlene Richard and Joseph “Verbis” Lafleur, Bernard said that Pelafigue lived a life of quiet holiness. Living in a small house and teaching catechism to children, Pelafigue was known for his love of animals and lifelong devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

“It’s a testament that perhaps all of us can become saints,” Bernard said. “He died on June 6, the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and many believe it was no coincidence but God saying, ‘Well done good and faithful servant.’”

Richard gave his talk on Lafleur, who served as a military chaplain in World War II. Lafleur became a prisoner of war and a Knight of Columbus whose courageous witness in the Pacific theater of the war brought many souls to Christ.

Lafleur died while prisoner on the Japanese ship as it was torpedoed. Lafleur was said to be praying the rosary with fellow prisoners during the attack.

The canonization causes for all three extraordinary Catholics will eventually be taken up in Rome. How long that process will be is unknown, but the causes for all three have caused excitement in Acadiana.