A special presentation took place at the Diocese of Lafayette as members of the Auguste “Nonco” Pelafigue Foundation, Arnaudville, presented His Excellency Bishop J. Douglas Deshotel, Bishop of the Diocese of Lafayette, with a reliquary containing bone fragments from the feet of Servant of God Auguste Robert “Nonco” Pelafigue, whose cause for beatification and canonization has advanced to Rome.
He was born in France on January 10, 1888. In 1889, Auguste Pelafigue travelled by ship with his family from France to the United States and settled in Arnaudville where spent most of his life.
As Auguste grew older, he was given the nickname, “Nonco” derived from “Nonc,” the French word for uncle, and the first syllable of his name which is pronounced “oh”. Nonco was an appropriate name, because Nonco was considered everybody’s uncle. He became a beloved teacher, catechist, and devoted servant of the Church. Guided by a deep devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Blessed Virgin Mary, he walked countless miles along the rural roads of Acadiana, visiting families, sharing devotional materials, encouraging prayer, and spreading the Catholic faith. In recognition of his extraordinary service to the Church, Pope Pius XII awarded him the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice medal in 1953. Nonco died on June 6, 1977, at the age of 89.
His journey toward possible sainthood reached an important milestone on January 11, 2020, when Bishop Deshotel officially opened his cause for beatification and canonization, granting him the title Servant of God. The diocesan investigation concluded in 2023, and its documentation was sent to Rome for further examination.
The faithful throughout Acadiana are invited to continue praying for Nonco’s beatification and canonization.
Bishop presented with reliquary Members of the Auguste “Nonco” Pelagique Foundation presented Diocese of Lafayette Bishop J. Douglas Deshotel, second from right, with a reliquary, pictured at right, containing bone fragments of “Nonco” Pelagique. Pictured from left are Allen LeBlanc, Charles Taylor, Bishop Deshotel and Lawrence J. Guidry.
(Diocese of Lafayette)
