Memorial Mass to take place in Richard

RICHARD – The Friends of Charlene Association announces the date of the Annual Mass of Petition marking the 49th anniversary of the death of Charlene Marie Richard. This Mass will be offered on Friday, August 8 at 6 p.m. at St. Edward’s Catholic Church in Richard. According to Association Chairperson Bonnie Broussard, the main celebrant for the mass will be Father Sonny Brown, a Diocesan Priest and a native son of Richard.

Charlene, known to many as the Little Cajun Saint, was always a faith-filled, spiritual child. She died at the age of 12 of leukemia. Thousands have visited her grave at St. Edward’s and hundreds more come every year, leaving written prayers, photos, flowers, etc., including items precious to them or belonging to those they come to pray for. Several have returned to leave words of thanksgiving, and some leave testimonials of prayer answered. Many pray for her canonization confirming her sainthood.

Special features before this Mass will include a rosary led by Earline Landry beginning at 5:15 p.m. and an update on the Charlene Richard Mission House in Northern Thailand given by Deacon Reggie Bollich. Copies of the book about Charlene will be available for purchase before and after the Mass. Prayer cloths made by the St. Edward’s Ladies Altar Society, prayer cards and brochures provided by the Friends of Charlene Association will also be distributed free of charge. There will be a reception in the hall immediately following the mass.