A Child's View by Debra G. Fontenot P.T.
Nonco Foundation Archives • May 04, 2014
Submitted by Debra G. Fontenot P.T.
by Debra G. Fontenot P.T.
Being from a small town, Arnaudville, it was easy to notice individuals somewhat more interesting than the average guy. He was a dark complected man of small stature, no taller than five feet, he was nicknamed Nonco. He walked on the side of the road, going about his business as if he didn't have a worry in the world. His customary attire included a brown hat, black suspenders, a khaki shirt and pants. Often, I saw him walking to attend daily Mass, with prayer beads in hand and lips moving in quiet recitation of the rosary. He would drag his heels, leaving a small trail of dust in the air. His mere presence exuded love and peace. I wondered what was it that he so fervently felt? His prayers seemed to consume him. After all, he wasn't a priest; yet, he seemed so holy. This amazed me to no end!
It was customary for him to get children together in the summer time to audition for parts in a play honoring the Sacred Heart of Jesus. As he arrived, knocking at our door, we all ran to see who this might be. Standing there was Nonco, requesting that the Guidry kids partake in this celebration. He wore the usual red embroidered badge of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on the lapel of his khaki shirt. Nonco wore this adornment at all times. I wondered why he had so publicly displayed this while others were less conspicuous with their religious adoration. He spoke with a soft voice, his words not well understood. He had only one large front tooth which dangled loosely as he spoke, seemingly interrupting the pronunciation of his words. Mom agreed to send us to the Little Flower Auditorium as he wished.
To my brothers disappointment, going to the big, white, wooden auditorium was not their idea of summertime fun. After all, the facility was ill equipped with old burgundy velvet stage curtains, folding chairs, which we would have to assemble ourselves; and a loud screeching, sounding microphone which inconsistently picked up the voices for everyone to hear. This didn't bother Nonco one bit. He made the best with what he had, the feast day of the Sacred Heart of Jesus would be celebrated one way or another.
After several days of practicing, reading of hand-typed passages in honor of this day, we were prepared to display our eagerness to please our parents one more time. Without any fancy decorations to attract the interests of a large group of local folks, kids in a singular file, one by one, read their predetermined passages.
By the end of the play, and after Nonco read the Litany to the Sacred Heart prayer, the crowd was silenced. There seemed to be a univeral feeling of some esoteric presence of some sort unlike which was felt at the onset of the play. This was very eerie and I wondered if everyone was aware of this? Did we invoke something by praising God through Nonco's dedication to the Sacred Heart of Jesus?
Nonco handed out similar red embroidered badges to each and every child as a gift of thanksgiving for their participation. Staring down at this mere card seemed to have a totally different impact on me after so simple a celebration. How could just this small task bring the hearts of the community closer to the nature of Nonco's inexplicable heart felt experiences? It was like, for a moment, we understood why this man emanated a charisma of love and peace through his devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. I began to wonder, for how long would this holy experience affect the people who attended? If this was sooner or later lost, or taken for granted; their expedient natures would again be affected next year as Nonco would prepare for the Sacred Heart of Jesus feast day celebration.
My name is Betty Ann Taylor Richard. I was born and raised in Arnaudville. My parents were Welzie and Anna Schexnayder Taylor. The last home I can remember was on Ti-Adam Guidry Road on the corner where there use to be a big oak tree that grew in the middle of the lane. I remember pretty well when Nonco would appear at our house. He usually had his hat on and also his dog. Sometimes, he would carry his dog because his little dog would get tired. Usually, we would sit on the end of the porch and he would visit and talk about the leaflet that he would give us. Yes, today, we all wish we would have paid more attention to him and have shown him more thankfulness. I wish I would have; but, when you are young, you don't think that way. I hope all that the people are doing in Arnaudville will be successful and Nonco will be canonized. It would be wonderful. Thank you! P.S.: My little brother is Henry Charles Taylor, the Nonco Foundation Treasurer.
I had kidney disease and it led to having 17 stones that generated a lot of pain and suffering. With the help of various doctors, mainly at emergency rooms, the medicines and procedures resolved this problem. The doctors told me that the damage to my kidneys was done. I would never be the same. My kidneys were not functioning normally. Favor Requested: I prayed for Nonco to intercede. That was my only hope to pray to him. I immediately started feeling better. My condition greatly improved. I set up an appointment with my doctor and we were both shocked when tests results showed my kidney function was normal. Favor Received: There is no doubt, Nonco, thru his intercession, remedied my kidney medical problems and got the kidneys to heal and to perform normally. I continue to pray to Nonco, a SERVANT OF GOD, to help with a long list of medical problems I continue to have. I will be willing to put all of this in the form of an affidavit, have it notarized and tell my story to the Pastor of Arnaudville.
Irene Gardemal is a friend of Mary Agnes Hardy dela Houssaye Belleau, great niece of Nonco. The following is an email which Irene sent to Mary on Tuesday, March 17, 2020.
Nonco's intercession is felt by Louise McCann is one little way.
Irene F. Bourque, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, shared a story of her family's generational devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Via Facebook, Raymond Clause, sent the following about "Nonco." Thank you, Raymond! "I lived close to his house. He spent his life for Jesus Christ and Catholic Church in Arnaudville. I can't began to tell you all the good things he did. It's an honor for me to have known him. He taught me religion and most of the kids in my age group. I know he has a place in heaven. May God bless him!"
Seola "Ce Ce" Arnaud Edwards tells her Nonco story.
Memories by Geraldine "Gerri" Frederick Quebedeaux