Arnaudville – The Auguste “Nonco” Pelafigue Foundation has been established here to provide religious, educational and charitable programs which will continue the work of its namesake.

The foundation also seeks to explore Pelafigue’s beatification and canonization for his tireless work of spreading the message of loving the Sacred Heart of Jesus, especially to those who are dealing with the hardships of life, and to strengthen and grow the Catholic faith.

Pelafigue evangelized by walking along dusty roads in Arnaudville. He lived in a two-room house without electricity, which remains a landmark to date as a reminder of the meek and humble man of God.

The foundation is attempting to document possible miracles attributed to Pelafigue and to preserve some of the history of the area.

Pelafigue was active in the programs and served as a substitute teacher at the Little Flower School operated by the Marinates Sisters. The foundation also plans to preserve memories of the school by posting essays and photographs of the programs, students and faculty of the school on the foundation website.

The foundation also hopes to build the Auguste “Nonco” Pelafigue Memorial Prayer Garden in the Arnaudville community to provide a peaceful and contemplative place for citizens and visitors to pray and learn about the life and legacy of Pelafigue.

Pelafigue was born near Beaucens, France and came to the United States in 1889 where his family settled in Arnaudville. He is best remembered as a promoter of the Apostleship of Prayer. He also travelled on foot to deliver leaflets about the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Pelafigue passed away on the feast day of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, June 6, 1977, having lived 89 years in service to the Church, attending Mass daily and serving St. John Francis Regis Catholic Church and the Arnaudville community.

The foundation website will be activated in the near future. Further information about the foundation, or membership, can be obtained by contacting Elizabeth Arnaud at 337-523-5832 or apelafigue@hotmail.com.