A Tale of Nonco by Rebecka Bihm

Nonco Foundation Archives • Nov 04, 2013

Submitted by Rebecka Bihm and confirmed by Melanie Olivier Richard

As a young girl I spent countless hours riding my bike through the streets of Arnaudville. My best friend Melanie and I would wake up early and ride around town until we were exhausted and the sun was setting. We had many wonderful adventures that remain in my memory until this day, but there is one which stands out above all the rest.

It happened one morning while riding down Last Street. My friend and I were surprised by the unexpected sight of a man walking from house to house. He didn't seem really out of place, but we didn't recognize him, which of course was unusual for our little town. He was sort of disheveled, hunched over a little, wearing a tie and hat, and carrying a large bag. He glanced over at us and smiled and nodded several times. I'm not sure why we stayed on that street as long as we did. Maybe to watch where he was going. Maybe to try and place him in our minds. Maybe just to be curious little girls in search of our next big adventure. Whatever the reason, we watched as he climbed the stairs and onto the porch of a house. He seemed to have some sort of papers in his hands as he approached the front door. I remember wondering if he was selling something, and what it was, and if he would come to my house? I stopped my bike and quietly waited to see exactly what happened when he knocked, but to my amazement, he never did. The man that I had been watching so carefully seemed to vanish into thin air. The man literally floated right into the old house and disappeared.

My friend and I exchanged a frightened glance, but I didn't say anything. Actually, I doubt she would have heard me anyways with all of the frantic pedaling and gravel flying. I don't think I have ever ridden a bike so fast since that day. We didn't stop until we reached my friend's house, and when we told our wild story to our parents something even more startling happened. They weren't shocked...or scared....or even surprised. After we described him they were sure they knew the man who we were speaking of. They told us he had been known in Arnaudville for years, and that he was nothing to be afraid of, in fact he had been a very good and kind man...when he was alive.

He was called "Nonco."

By Nonco Foundation Archives 17 Apr, 2021
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.
By Nonco Foundation Archives 18 May, 2020
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.
By Nonco Foundation Archives 19 Mar, 2020
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.
By Nonco Foundation Archives 13 Feb, 2020
Nonco's intercession is felt by Louise McCann is one little way.
By Nonco Foundation Archives 12 Jun, 2018
Irene F. Bourque, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, shared a story of her family's generational devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
By Nonco Foundation Archives 14 May, 2018
One of the Little Flower School students, Calvin Stelly, remembers Nonco.
By Homer Vitte 02 Feb, 2018
Homer Vitte remember Nonco as good hearted.
By Nonco Foundation Archives 05 Nov, 2017
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!"
By Nonco Foundation Archives 19 Oct, 2017
Seola "Ce Ce" Arnaud Edwards tells her Nonco story.
By Nonco Foundation Archives 04 Aug, 2017
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