A Life Worthy of God, Memories and Notes

Genevieve Marie Hardy Angelle ~ May 10, 1930 ~ November 26, 2013. The Nonco Foundation is indebted to Genevieve for sharing her memories of Nonco in what became her final days.

Auguste Pelafigue was born on June 10, 1888, near a charming village of the pastoral zone in Beaucens, France -- not far from Lourdes, near the Pyrenees. His parents, Jean-Marie Pelafigue and Melanie Pere had five children -- Marie, Donatien, Adelaide and Auguste were born in France. After immigrating to the United States in 1889, they settled in Arnaudville, LA, where their fifth child Emilie was born.

Auguste Pelafigue, known as Nonco by many, lived in a homely two-room house that has survived the winds of time. Although the trees and bushes have been cleared, it remains a landmark. It stands as a reminder of the meek and humble life of a pious and devout man of God.

For most of his life, he had no electricity, which was his choice, and he had very little of monetary value -- but he never complained. His life was unmistakably one of contentment and fulfillment.

Everyone and everything was precious in his eyes. Like St. Francis, his menagerie of animals kept him company and brought him much joy. They were also a delight for all the young children, and later, their children -- in his family and the community at large.

There are not many living today who were not taught by Nonco every Saturday morning in Catechism classes. Nor are there many who have forgotten him as a substitute teacher at Little Flower Convent. His was a nurturing role -- as a teacher, a mentor and tutor to many. His smile mirrored the joy of his faith, his belief in God and his deep love for all of God's people.

Nonco's house was built on his brother Donatien's land, which was adjacent to the homes of two of his sisters, his nephews and nieces. There was a well-worn path that he followed, many times during the day, as he made short visits from house to house. He was especially fond and influential with the young cousins in the family. He was often found sitting on the steps or porch swing, telling them stories of the saints, Jesus and Mary, and also reminding them to study their Catechism and to say their morning and night prayers.

Every morning, before the break of dawn, Nonco arrived at the home of his sisters, Adelaide and Emilie, to tend to the farm animals and milk the cows before he attended Mass. On his return home from finished night chores, he daily carried a granite container of milk, bread and rice au gratin, his favorite.

His heart and soul were inflamed with love for the Sacred Heart of Jesus and His Blessed Mother, Mary. He reached beyond human endeavor in Christian witness, service, and worship. There was much wisdom to be learned by means of his word and example. He was intelligent and knowledgeable, using his talents to bring Christ to others. Quiet, humble, faithful to God, devoted to his Church and Catholic teachings -- he inspired the young as well as the aged. He was committed to continue the work of the Lord here on earth. Many have acclaimed him as a "modern-day apostle"--a "living saint" of our time.

Nonco had no desire to acquire money or fame. He responded best to the human need of souls. He welcomed and greeted everyone with a shining spirit of warmth and affection. As a promoter of the Apostleship of Prayer, he left an imprint on the shoulder of roads leading to surrounding towns, as he walked to deliver Sacred Heart leaflets every month. The morning offering was printed on each monthly leaflet. He was instrumental in pointing out to all members how important it was to memorize and offer this prayer each day upon arising to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. On the monthly journeys, there was always someone to offer him a ride, but, in his younger days he politely declined. It was his way of doing penance, offering each step for the conversion of souls and for the poor souls in Purgatory.

He not only traveled country roads on foot in his service to God, he also walked countless times -- rain or shine -- to attend daily Mass. On feast days and Sundays he attended every Mass that was offered that day. For every Novena and every mission -- he was always present. On Holy Thursday, he spent most of his day praying before the Blessed Sacrament. He followed the Way of the Cross in the footsteps and imitation of Christ.

In 1953, Bishop Jules B. Jeanmard presented Auguste “Nonco” Pelafigue a Papal Decree. For the Good Samaritan and faithful servant that he was, he humbly received this great honor in his beloved Church, St. John Francis Regis, in Arnaudville, LA.

On the day of his death, he was given a new birth. It was not surprising that it fell on the feast day of the Sacred Heart of Jesus -- June 6, 1977.

There is a story told that at dusk, upon entering Nonco's house, a while after his death--a visitor commented on walking through years of accumulated dust. Using his flashlight, he pointed it to holy pictures on the wall. He was amazed to find the images dust-free--sparkling and bright.

All the lives he touched were deeply enriched by his example of Christian charity, virtuous deed and graceful manner. Small in stature, but great in strength--we thank God for his presence in our lives.

COMMENTS ABOUT NONCO

Spent a lifetime serving his God and his church.

He taught us the meaning of true Christianity by living an exemplary life.

The story was told that when she was a child of about 8 years old, she lived next door to Nonco. Every night before she went to bed, she would lift the kitchen shade to look towards Nonco's house. She would always find a dim light in his window. Years later, he told her that his desk was near that window--and most of the time he was reading in his Bible or prayer book, preparing his Sacred Heart Leaflets for delivery, etc. -- and, I'm sure that's where he prepared and planned his Sacred Heart Programs. That dim light was that of an oil lamp. He had no electricity then. (Not clear if Genevieve was referring here to Melanie Hebert Olivier or Sophie Pelafigue Montet.

He was a soulful, holy man.

Nonco remained faithful to God his whole life.

With great sincerity and great piety of intention, he aimed in everything to do what was pleasing to God.

He was summoned to teach at Little Flower Convent in Arnaudville; and, public school in Krotz Springs, LA, to which he traveled by train.

He taught in Coteau Rodaire School, one of the oldest schools in LA, still in existence but moved to its present site at Huron School in 1951. It was originally designed by an architect to look like a small church. The one room now serves as a kitchen at Huron, SMILE School and still stands. It is in St. Martin Parish.

Nonco attended college in Natchitoches, LA in 1909.

Nonco immersed himself in prayer -- devoted to praying for the Souls in Purgatory and doing penance for them and for the salvation of souls.

Mary Ann Olivier Meche who died on February 5, 2012, has a daughter named "Toni." Toni lived with her mother. Mary Ann would tell the story about her mother "Melanie Hebert Olivier who was Nonco's Godchild and niece. One day Nonco told her to come to his house. He had something to give her. Mary Ann accompanied her mother. Nonco wanted to give her some colored glasses found in oatmeal boxes, his mother's wedding ring and the Papal medal he had received in 1953 from Bishop Jules Jeanmard, Bishop of Lafayette, LA. He told his niece, his Godchild, to leave these gifts for Mary Ann upon her death. Mary Ann still had the item at the time of her death. What treasures these are! These relics are now with Pam, Mrs. J.J. Angelle.

Mary Ann was a young child, but she was one of the few people who entered his house. She remembered seeing books and papers piled on his bed -- with very little space cleared for him to sleep, so it seemed to her.

Another cousin tells the story she witnessed. Nonco would place rocks in his shoes to do penance for the poor souls in purgatory and for the salvation of souls. (By: Jan Montet Hebert. Jan's mother was Nonco's niece, Sophie Pelafigue Montet.

Nonco's father Jean-Marie Pelafigue is buried in Annie Vigneau's family plot in St. Pastout, France. Nonco's mother is buried in the Arnaudville cemetery in an unmarked grave.

After his wife died, Jean-Marie departed from Arnaudville in 1920 to move back to his native country. The children never saw him again.

Nonco is buried in the first closed masoleum in Arnaudville. It is located in back of Father Bernard's tomb.

The people who knew Nonco acknowledged him to be a saint.

Relatives in France: Regis Lie and his daughter Natalie live in France. They are still living cousins who have kept in touch with the family. Regis Lie is also the father of Phillipe, Natalie, and Florence. (Natalie corresponded with Sister Rita and was kind to Mary Agnes Hardy Belleu and her husband Charles Belleau when they visited France.)

Phillipe Lie lives in the home where Nonco was born. He lives upstairs and runs a bed and breakfast in the downstairs area.

Some of the Hardy family and other family members have visited their cousins in France.

In a Teche News Centennial Edition, April 2, 1986, entitled: The Teche Country--A Land of Legends, one article was entitled: "In Arnaudville, Deeds of three made them legendary: Rev. Msgr. Louis (Canon) Massebiau, JCD; Rev. Msgr. Daniel L. Bernard; Auguste Pelafigue.

Nonco's love of animals was evident from the many animals he cared for in his fenced-in yard. he young family children would stand against the fence to view the animals. There were cats and dogs, chickens, bantam roosters, guineas, pigeons, exotic birds and a peacock.