LSN

RAYNE -- When most of us hear the name Charlene Richard, also known as ‘The Cajun Saint’, we know her story.

However, thanks to the popular magazine, Catholic Digest, her amazing story will be known nationwide.

Richard died in 1959 because of leukemia. She was only 12-years-old.

She became known when prayers, which were offered in her name, were answered and she became known as ‘the Little Cajun Saint.’

In the upcoming January issue of the Catholic Digest, she is mentioned in a story of a series entitled “Saints of New Orleans.”

The magazine is covering the large number of Saints who have been born in or become known for their works in Louisiana.

Father Joseph Brennan, who met Charlene during her final days, was in awe of her deep faith knowing her time on earth was nearing an end.

Charlene promised the young priest that she would pray for him in heaven. The priest supported Richard becoming a Saint and as more miraculous healings were taking place by praying to God in her name, many others began joining the effort.

Word of her healings began to spread and the “Friends for Charlene” organization was formed. They began asking the Catholic Church to canonize Richard.

Each year, an estimated 10,000 visitors make the visit to the Richard community visit her grave and pray, often leaving items from their loved ones on her grave site.

The organization sends out hundreds of her cards to those who request them.

The card has a picture of Richard on it with the following words:

Thank you for favors granted.

We have loved her during life, let us not abandon her until we have conducted her by our prayers into the house of the Lord. St. Ambrose.

May Jesus have mercy on the Soul of Charlene Marie Richard.

Prayer

Incline Thine ear, O Lord, unto our prayers, wherein we humbly pray Thee to show mercy upon the soul of Thy servant Charlene, whom Thou has commanded to pass out of this world, that Thou woldst place her in the region of peace and light, and bid her be a partaker with Thy Saints. Through Christ our Lord, Amen