Nonco  1930's and 1940's by Jerry Richard

The first language of many of the local people around the Arnaudville community was Cajun French--especially the surrounding areas. For most at that time it was the only language that was spoken. Few could read or write. There was a small percentage who were self taught and could read and write French--very small.

Roughly half of the inhabitants at the time could read and write English. During this period Masses in Arnaudville were said in mostly Latin or French.

The challenges of languages did not deter Nonco from getting God’s message to his French-speaking neighbors and family members.

It appears Nonco joined the Apostleship of Prayer in the 1920’s while attending college at the Normal School in Natchitoches, Louisiana. When he moved and settled back in the Arnaudville area to teach, he continued to spread God‘s message throughout the community.

The monthly prayer leaflets distributed from the Apostleship of Prayer during this period were always printed in English and not French. As Nonco visited and delivered the holy leaflets, he would translate the message and prayers in French and recite them to his elderly neighbors who listened attentively as he shared the word of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Hearing God’s message through Nonco’s soft spoken words led many of them to accept and open their hearts to God. He tirelessly walked daily from neighbor to neighbor, for miles and miles, sharing God’s message and constantly praying along the way.

My grandparents Daniel and Vaniola Miller were two of those many neighbors to whom Nonco translated and recited his prayers. This little insight was handed down from my mother, Wilma Miller Richard, one of Nonco’s promoters and Sophie Miller Pelafigue’s niece. Mom often recited the rosary in French along with the joyful and sorrowful mysteries, as well as the devotion to the saints. Many of these prayers were taught to her and her friends by Nonco. Nonco often sat near the side entrance on the north side of the church behind my parents. He could be seen every morning carrying his bible and leaflets to be distributed to his promoters after church and wearing his little dark hat. I can still picture his very humble one-tooth smile.

Father Massebiau, originally from Aveyron, France, arrived in Arnaudville as Pastor in May of 1934. He married my parents Lawrence and Wilma that same year on November 11 in the old wooden church. As a young Catholic couple, the trio, Father Massibeau, Nonco, and Father Bernard all were influential in helping Lawrence and Wilma raise their ten children under the wings of Saint Theresa of Little Flower.

Of Mom’s proudest family accomplishments, having all her ten children graduate from Little Flower School was one that she treasured most! We all participated in Nonco’s church plays for the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Mom did as well. As a flag waver, I was 6 years old in my first appearance in Nonco’s play. Hearing people reflect on Nonco’s example and devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus continues to inspire and bring many of us a little closer to God.

The Foundation is grateful to Jerry Richard. It was his idea to form a group to work on canonizing Nonco. Jerry served as the first president of the Nonco Foundation and presently serves on the Board as a director. Thank you, Jerry. Jerry has the Grumpy Guinea Farm on Highway 31 between Arnaudville and Leonville. Nonco would be proud!