Pelafigue Family

Nonco's Family

It seems almost impossible to imagine--even in the age of jets criss-crossing the oceans; but, in 1889,  Nonco's parents moved their family from Beaucens, France, to LaJonction, which is now Arnaudville, Louisiana.  Records show the passenger list of the family arriving in New York on November 25, 1889.  Study the documents below for more information.
Nonco's Mother
Melanie Peré Pelafigue
1854 ~ 8-4-1899*
Nonco's Father
Jean Marie Pelafigue
Perhaps, Melanie and Jean Marie Pelafigue, Nonco's parents, instilled their spirit of adventure to their children.  Nonco was born on January 10, 1888. He was less than two years old when his parents brought him to the new frontier of America. 

Beaucens, France, is a short distance--about seven miles-- from Lourdes.  The Catholic faith of the Pelafigues was a major part of their lives.  Notice the rosary on Melanie Peré Pelafigue's arm.  Nonco also was known to carry his rosary in this manner as he walked the roads of the rural community of Arnaudville. He was only 11 when his mother died on August 4, 1899.

When Nonco was 21, he was enrolled at the State Normal School, now Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana, as indicated on his transcript dated January 18, 1909. Records also indicate that he was a member of the League of the Sacred Heart.  With French as his principal language, he communicated easily with the inhabitants of the Arnaudville area.  His life continued in service to his fellow man for nearly 70 years.

*Arnaudville Church:  Volume 2, page 77.
Memorial Prayer Card
of
Theresa Lormand Guidry, Great Niece of Nonco
October 16, 1938 ~ February 11, 2002

PRAYER OF
ST. AUGUSTINE

A well-worn prayer card with the Prayer of St. Augustine, was found in one of Nonco's prayer books.

Breathe in me O Holy Spirit
That my thoughts may all be holy;
Act in me O Holy Spirit
That my work, too, may be holy;
Draw my heart O Holy Spirit
that I love but what is holy;
Strengthen me O Holy Spirit
To defend all that is holy;
Guard me then O Holy Spirit
That I always May be holy;
Amen

Nonco's Story

CLICK HERE for Nonco's Story written by his great niece, Mary Agnes Hardy de la Houssaye Belleau.  Her research began in preparation for a program with Father James Kubicki, National Director of the Apostleship of Prayer,  and which was broadcast on Radio Maria on March 22, 2014. A link to the French translation can be found below. A link to the Radio Maria program can also be found below.

CLIQUEZ ICI POUR HISTOIRE DE NONCO

CLICK HERE   to listen to the Radio Maria broadcast.

Images and Records of the Pelafigue Family

Remember, Click on images to enlarge.

The Pelafigues, Later in Life