Vatican Considers Louisiana's Charlene Richard for Sainthood

Today is a huge day for those who have followed the case for canonization by the Pope of Charlene Richard, "The Little Cajun Saint" according to KLFY. The investigation of Charlene Richard's possible canonization has begun today at the Vatican.

The case for canonization is a long road for the supporters who worked to gather information for the Vatican. They also have a team that works diligently on the cases they are presented with.

Today, the box with some 1,000 pages is being opened at the Vatican as the investigation into the possible canonization begins in Rome.

On January 13, 2024, a ceremony in her hometown northwest of Rayne closed out the diocesan phase of the cause for canonization. The event was led by Fr. Korey Lavergne, the pastor of Charlene's church parish of St. Edward, who called it a "once in a lifetime kind of day."

The process for sainthood is usually lengthy and full of many steps. The Diocese of Lafayette spent much time investigating and interviewing people about their experiences related to Charlene along with investigators who came from Rome.

While battling lymphatic leukemia she would ask who to pray for. Nanette Reiners, president of the Charlene Richard Foundation says,

While in the hospital, she would ask who she was supposed to suffer for that day. It was never about her suffering. It was always about who she had to suffer for that day.

CHARLENE MARIE RICHARD 1947 - 1959

The following is from the Charlene Richard Foundation,

Charlene was born January 13, 1947. After being diagnosed with acute lymphatic leukemia, she died on August 11, 1959, at the age of 12. During her confinement in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Lafayette, LA, Charlene would offer her prayers and suffering to God each day for the benefit of others.
"She was a faith-filled little girl", said Fr Joseph Brennan, a priest for the Diocese of Lafayette, LA, who was serving as hospital chaplain and ministered to Charlene during her final days.
"I see Charlene as a witness for people of all ages to the power of resignation and acceptance of God's will", said Fr Brennan. "She wasn't different in any way except that when the crisis came in her life - and it came very early - she accepted it with faith and trust and love."

Many people over the years say they have received miracles after pray for Charlene to intercede on their behalf. In the American Conservative, a story is told of a woman who gave birth to a child with Down Syndrome, but what happened after she asked Charlene to intercede on their behalf baffled those involved in the situation. You can click here to read more.

This is just one of the many things people say have happened when praying to Charlene. We will continue to follow this story and update as soon as the Vatican has made a decision.