Originally published at National Catholic Register
Charlene Richard’s cause for beatification moves along, touching lives along the way.
Charlene Richard, lovingly known as the “Little Cajun Saint,” is a beautiful example of how God can use even the smallest and most humble among us to touch hearts and change lives.
Born in 1947 in the tiny rural community of Richard, Louisiana, Charlene lived her short young life with extraordinary faith. Diagnosed with leukemia at just 12 years old, she responded with a grace that inspired everyone she met. Each moment of her suffering became an offering, a prayer, and a gift for others. During her final days at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Lafayette, Charlene’s prayers became a channel of hope and healing for countless souls. Her quiet trust in God and her profound love for others continues to be a source of light.
Charlene’s gravesite in Richard, Louisiana, is a sacred place of pilgrimage, where individuals and families come to seek healing, comfort, and courage. Her story reminds us that holiness is not about doing extraordinary things but about trusting God with extraordinary love in every moment of our lives.
In South Louisiana, Catholic parents often bring their babies to the gravesite of
