Fr. Charles Auguste Orhenin Girard
Algiers – Father Charles Auguste Othenin Girard, SM, peacefully passed away at Our Lady of Wisdom Health Care Center in Algiers, La. on Saturday, November 11, 2017, at the age of 81.
He was born on December 13, 1935, in Breaux Bridge. He is the son of the late Charles August and Olita (Trahan) Girard and the brother of the late Sophie Girard Mouton.
Fr. Charles is survived by his brother, John Girard; and his nephews, Edmond and Larry Mouton and Marist Confreres.
Fr. Charles was professed in the Society of Mary on September 8, 1960, and ordained to the priesthood on January 27, 1966. His assignments included Immaculata Seminary, Lafayette, from 1966-1971; Tulane University, New Orleans, from 1974-1976 and 1979 for Doctorial Studies; De La Salle High School, New Orleans, from 1976-1978; Marist School, Atlanta, Ga. from 1985-1987; Society of Mary General House, Rome, Italy, research on Marist Laity and Missions from 1987-1999; and New Orleans in retirement from 2011 to the present.
Fr. Girard studied French language at University of Southwestern Louisiana, earning a B.A. in 1957; University of Rennes, France, earning a Diploma in 1958 (Fullbright Scholarship); Tulane University earning a M.A. in 1963 and a Ph.D. in 1984.
Fr. Charles’ significant contributions included Seven volume Letters from the Marist Missionaries in Oceania 1836-1854, 2009 Lay Marist: Anthology of Historical Resources, 1993.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Marist Mission Fund by logging onto www.societyofmaryusa.org.
Visitation at Our Lady of Wisdom Health Care Center, 5600 General DeGaulle Drive, New Orleans, LA was held on Wednesday, November 15, 2017, from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m.
A Memorial Mass was held at Our Lady of Wisdom Health Care Center on Wednesday at 11 a.m. Fr. Charles will be transferred to Fisher Funeral Home, 2742 Chamblee-Dunwoody Road, Atlanta, Ga., for funeral services and burial on Saturday, November 25, 2017.
Mothe Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Family and friends may view and sign the online guestbook at www.mothefunerals.com.