The Little Cajun Saint
Plus the latest in Cajun and French Acadian news, events, history, and culture
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Share With Us Your Stories of the Little Cajun Saint’s Intercessions
Charlene Marie Richard (1947–59), affectionately known as the “Little Cajun Saint,” was a 12-year-old girl from Richard, LA, whose remarkable faith inspired thousands. After being diagnosed with leukemia, she accepted her suffering with extraordinary peace, offering her pain in prayer for others rather than focusing on herself. Her joy, humility, and unwavering trust in God deeply touched everyone around her.
After her death in 1959, many people reported having prayers answered through her intercession, leading to a widespread devotion that continues to this day. Pilgrims regularly visit her grave at St. Edward Catholic Church in Richard. In 2020, the Catholic Church officially opened her cause for canonization, giving her the title “Servant of God,” the first formal step toward possible sainthood. Charlene’s life remains a powerful example of how holiness can be found in simple faith, courage, and selfless love, even in a child. See: charlenerichardfoundation.org.
Have you or someone you know had prayers answered through the intercession of Charlene Richard? We would be honored to hear your story. Whether your prayer was answered in a remarkable way or through a quiet blessing, your testimony can inspire others and help preserve Charlene’s legacy of faith and hope. Please send your story, along with your name and contact details to info@acadianmuseum.com.
Thank you for sharing how God has worked through the Little Cajun Saint’s intercession. In October, 2023, I submitted a biographical paper—including genealogy—on Charlene Richard to Postulator Fr. Luis Escalante in support of her cause. Once Charlene is declared a saint I will work to expand her biography with the help of Fr. Escalante and other scholars in the Vatican. Stories of Richard’s intercession sent to me at info@acadianmuseum.com may be included in the book.
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MUSEUM NEWS
Book Talks/Special Events
The following talks will be presented by Warren or Mary Perrin, unless otherwise noted. All times are US Central. To schedule a talk, just pick a topic and a date that isn’t already taken.
Aug. 10, 5 pm, Warren Perrin talk on “Acadians’ Role in American Wars” followed by Living Legend induction for WW II veteran Shirley Guidry at SW LA Veterans Home, 1610 Evangeline Rd., Jennings, LA.
Aug. 20, 6 pm, Mary Perrin book talk “Healing Traditions of South Louisiana” Bayou Terrebonne Waterlife Museum, 7910 Park Ave. Houma, LA.
Madeline DeHart: Our Newest Living Legend
On July 28, the worldwide day of remembrance of the Acadian Deportation, we inducted our latest Living Legend, the prolific music educator Madeline DeHart.
Madeline has served as the Supervisor of Fine Arts and World Languages for the Vermilion Parish School System. She holds a MA degree in music education and has taught instrumental music in grades 5 through 12 at four school districts in Texas and Louisiana. Her initiatives have provided an educational framework for Louisiana’s local culture in a specialized arts curriculum called “Lâche pas – Louisiana Heritage Connections,” an experiential elective class that exposes students to the rich world of Louisiana Cajun and Creole music, arts, language, and cultural history through hands-on learning and real-life, local cultural experiences.
After the ceremony, Madeline sent us this note:
My sincere thanks to you and the Acadian Museum. It is indeed an honor to be named as an Acadian Living Legend. I hope we will have the opportunity to collaborate in the future, as I would like to learn more from you about our history. Thank you again for this honor! My family, friends, and I are thrilled.
101 Year-Old WW II Vet to Be Named a Living Legend
On Aug. 10 at 5 pm, I will give a talk on “Acadians Role in American Wars” and we will induct a new Living Legend, Shirley Guidry at the Southwest Louisiana Veterans Home, 1610 Evangeline Rd. in Jennings, LA.
A native of Rayne, LA, Shirley Guidry is one of the last surviving Acadian combat veterans of World War II and the last surviving World War II veteran of the Guidry family. Born into a Louisiana French-speaking household, he spoke only French as a child and did not learn English until entering school at six years of age.
At age 18, Guidry enlisted in the U.S. Army and was assigned to the 244th Engineer Combat Battalion. He was deployed to England and later to France in late 1944. As the only French speaker in his unit, he frequently served as an interpreter between American soldiers and the local population.
During the European campaign, his unit served in the Battle of the Bulge, crossed the Rhine River into Germany, and ultimately advanced to the Elbe River. Following Germany’s surrender, the battalion was tasked with supervising hundreds of German prisoners of war.
Today, at 101 years of age, Guidry continues to inspire those around him. He remains active, enjoys Cajun dancing, and is known for sharing stories of Louisiana’s French heritage and his experiences during World War II. He currently resides at the SW Louisiana Veterans Home in Jennings, where he remains remarkably independent and continues to walk daily.
Through his distinguished military service, preservation of Louisiana French culture, and decades of selfless community ministry, Shirley M. Guidry has brought great honor to his family, his community, and the Acadian people of Louisiana.
LOUISIANA/CAJUN NEWS
Festivals Acadiens and the Smithsonian Institution Go Way Back
Barry Ancelet, center, with Cajun musicians Jourdan Thibodeaux, left, and Alan Lafleur, right (Photo: Burning Stick Creative)
An article by Zeta McCaskill appeared on The Current website:
When Cajun folklorist Barry Jean Ancelet organized the first Tribute to Cajun Music festival at Blackham Coliseum in 1974, he put together a legendary lineup… Still, no one could have predicted the legacy he would create. Through a collaboration with the Smithsonian, Festivals Acadiens et Créoles will be part of the nationwide celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States.
The roots of the Smithsonian’s partnership with Festivals Acadiens run deep. That first concert … was influenced by the Smithsonian’s former director of folklife programming, Ralph Rinzler. Through his work, Rinzler … built close connections with folk musicians all over the country, including Cajun legends... He also invited Ancelet to work with him, which he did for over a decade. Fast forward 50 years… this year’s collaboration with the Smithsonian was written in the stars.
To read the whole article, click here.
Louisiana Filmmaker Pat Mire’s “Pointe Noire” Now Streaming
Louisiana filmmaker Pat Mire’s latest narrative feature film “Pointe Noire” has been released on streaming platforms in the U.S. and Canada.
U.S.: Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Google Play, DISH, and Vimeo
Canada: Apple TV, Google Play, Vimeo, and Rogers West
“We are thrilled to share Pointe Noire with a wider audience,” said Mire. “I’m very proud of this Louisiana-made film [featuring] locations throughout SW Louisiana. The beauty of the landscape and the richness of our Cajun culture are on full display. Plus, it’s a great story, a true murder mystery set in Cajun country.”
“Pointe Noire” features Canadian film stars Roy Dupuis and Myriam Cyr, alongside Louisiana musician Zachary Richard and actor Michael Bienvenu. The thriller follows the main characters (Dupuis and Cyr) as they work to save a falsely accused man on Louisiana’s Death Row. In English with subtitles, the trailer is available here: vimeo.com/1122507463
Vermilionville to Host Acadian Culture Day
Vermilionville’s Acadian Culture Day is set for Sunday, August 9 from 10-4 pm. The event is usually held around August 15th, a national Acadian holiday and the Feast Day of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Patroness of the Acadians. This free event will include:
Catholic mass
Inaugural Acadian Proclamation
Acadian Culture Heritage Award
La Cuisine de Maman award-winning food
Live music
Tintamarre (bring your family yard sign, banner and noisemakers)
Craft making/noisemakers
“Belizaire The Cajun” film
Dance lessons
Singing table
French table
Cooking demonstrations
Panel discussions
Genealogy support
Acadian families “seven ship manifest” and 1765 family list
Acadian families porch posters (family trees, photos, etc.)
Email perret.cheryl@gmail.com with any questions you may have. You can see the full schedule of events here.
Acadian Cultural Heritage Event
The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority plans an Acadian Cultural Heritage event on Saturday, August 29 from 1–4 pm at the LSU Center for River Studies in Baton Rouge.
The event aims to connect organizations such as ours with the local community to share in the rich and unique Acadian culture that has been passed down through generations of Louisianans. Guests will have the opportunity to take guided tours of the LSU Center for River Studies throughout the event.
We hope you will consider joining us for this great opportunity to celebrate our Acadian cultural heritage!
Louisiana Welcomes International Language Immersion Teachers
An article appeared on the WBRZ website:
Louisiana is welcoming 67 international educators to teach in public school language immersion classrooms across the state during the upcoming school year. The Council for the Development of French in Louisiana (CODOFIL) brought teachers in from France, Canada, Spain and Mexico.
In Louisiana’s immersion programs, students learn core academic subjects in French or Spanish, helping them develop bilingual skills and gain a deeper appreciation for diverse cultures.
“Our language immersion programs are an investment in Louisiana’s future. These talented educators help students become bilingual, expand their opportunities for success and strengthen the cultural traditions that have shaped our state for generations,” said Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser.
CODOFIL added that, for many of the teachers, the role is also a chance to experience Louisiana’s Francophone heritage firsthand and build lasting connections with communities that continue to celebrate their linguistic and cultural traditions.
FRENCH/ACADIAN NEWS
La région de la capitale nationale accueillera le Sommet de la Francophonie
Le premier ministre du Canada, Mark Carney (Photo: Tom Chazelle Schulze)
Un article de Clément Lechat et Benjamin Vachet est paru sur le site de Radio-Canada:
Le premier ministre du Canada, Mark Carney, a annoncé mercredi que la région de la capitale nationale accueillera le 21e Sommet de la Francophonie en 2028.
Nous avons décidé d’emmener le monde au Canada pour célébrer la vitalité, la richesse et la résilience de la langue française dans ce pays et partout dans le monde, a lancé le premier ministre lors de son discours du 1er juillet sur les plaines LeBreton. Le Canada accueillera le Sommet de la Francophonie en 2028, ici même, dans la région de la capitale nationale. Que la fête commence!
Pour continuer la lecture, cliquez ici.
Danette Robichaud, ambassadrice numérique de la culture acadienne
Sur ses réseaux sociaux, Danette Robichaud partage notamment de vieux mots acadiens de Clare et des recettes délicieuses de sa région.
Un article de Pascale Savoie-Brideau est paru sur le site de Radio-Canada:
Avec ses petites vidéos de recettes de plats traditionnels, comme la râpure, ou ses capsules linguistiques qui s’intéressent au parler de la Baie Sainte-Marie, Danette Robichaud, de Clare, est devenue une ambassadrice numérique de la culture acadienne de la Nouvelle-Écosse sur les réseaux sociaux.
Danette était déjà bien connue de ses pairs à la Baie Sainte-Marie, une petite communauté francophone du sud-ouest de la Nouvelle-Écosse. Elle commence toutefois aussi à gagner de la visibilité en ligne: elle a maintenant environ 11 000 abonnés sur Facebook, son réseau principal. Il y a plus de monde de mon âge ou de tous les âges qui utilisent Facebook, plutôt que TikTok , explique-t-elle.
En mars, elle a lancé son projet de capsules numériques. Au départ, ses vidéos étaient en anglais, car elle voulait partager sa culture aux anglophones et aux autres cultures.
Pour continuer la lecture, cliquez ici.
Grand-Pré’s Acadian Days Celebrate Heritage While Honoring the Past
Le Maudit Français, a.k.a. Nicolas Jean, performed during the Acadian Days opening ceremony July 10. (Photo by Carole Morris-Underhill /Valley Journal-Advertiser)
An article by Carole Morris-Underhill appeared on the Saltwire website:
Visitors to the Grand-Pré National Historic Site July 10-12 may have noticed a few more French conversations.
“It’s a yearly rendezvous,” said Claude Boudreau, the general director of La Société Promotion Grand-Pré, which hosts the event.
“There are Acadian festivals in Acadian communities, but here in Grand Pré, it’s one of the only Acadian festivals in the area.”
The non-profit society’s mission is to promote Grand-Pré as a symbolic and authentic site of the deportations of the Acadian people on a national and international scale. The organization was formed in 1997.
“To me, it’s for the people to enjoy the culture and to learn about Acadian music and culture, and eat food, and speak a bit of Français,” Boudreau said, smiling. He said it also helps English speakers practice French.
To continue reading, click here.
LAGNIAPPE
Acadians Must Honor Our Unique Past
to Ensure a Strong Future
Photo: Leslie Westbrook
My recent letter to the editor appeared in late July on NOLA.com:
In January 1990, I submitted a petition to the British Crown seeking a formal apology for its role in the 1755 deportation of the Acadians from Nova Scotia. Many historians view the deportation as an act of ethnic cleansing, and some characterize it as genocide because nearly half of the Acadian population perished.
After receiving broad international support, the effort culminated on Dec. 9, 2003, when a representative of Queen Elizabeth II signed the Royal Proclamation. The document acknowledged the injustices committed against the Acadian people, offered a measure of symbolic reconciliation, and established July 28 as an annual Day of Commemoration of the Acadian Deportation.
The proclamation continues to have lasting significance. It is featured in educational and historical programs, including exhibits at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, and has been used as a teaching resource in Louisiana schools and French immersion programs.
Acadian identity is rooted in more than four centuries of shared history, culture, and language. It survived the deportation, later assimilation pressures, and restrictions on the use of French in Louisiana schools.
Acadians developed a distinct peoplehood with their own traditions, institutions, and collective memory long before the founding of Canada.
Today, Acadians are recognized as a protected ethnic minority under federal law. While influenced by African, Creole, Native American, and Anglo-American cultures, they remain a distinct cultural community. Preserving that identity is not merely a matter of honoring the past. It is essential to ensuring the continued vitality and future of the Acadian people.
New Book on the Guillot Family
We received this from Preston Guillotte:
Hello, fellow Acadians! I’ve published a book, but my subtitle is misleading! It covers all Acadian families exiled in 1758 from Prince Edward Island and their journey to Louisiana in 1785. Spanning generations, continents and cultures, An Odyssey of Our People is a deeply personal journey into the heart of the Guillot family story. With vivid storytelling and heartfelt reflection, the book traces roots from the rich traditions of French Acadia to the bayous of South Louisiana, capturing the resilience, faith, and determination that shaped a people. If you’re a Cajun, you must read my story! The book is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble. and locally at Books Along the Teche in New Iberia, LA.
La Table Française – Come Speak French
South Louisiana locals meet regularly to improve their language skills. CODOFIL has a list of these events, but here are some of our favorites:
Arnaudville: Last Saturdays, 9:30 am, Arnaudville Community Center. email
Broussard: 2nd Fridays, 8:30 am, Valsin Broussard House, 408 W. Main St. (337) 445-3478
Dulac: 3rd Wednesdays, Parish Library, call (985) 563‑2014
Erath: Fridays, 10 am, Erath Library. email
Lafayette: Wednesdays, 7 am, Dwyer’s Cafe, email; or 2nd Thurs, 5:30 pm, Petroleum Club. email
Lake Charles: First Fridays, 4 pm, Central Library, 301 W. Claude St. email
Loreauville: Tuesdays, 7 am, Main Cup Coffee Shop, 101 N. Main St. email
Maurice: 2nd and 4th Wednesdays, 10 am, 218 Chief Fred Ave. (337) 652-0166
New Iberia: Thursdays, 8:30 am, Cane River Pecan Co., 254 W. Main St. (337) 519-7942
New Orleans: 2nd and 4th Wednesdays, 5:30 pm, 1519 Jackson Ave. details
Rayne: Thursdays, 9:30 am, Bernard-Bertrand House, 1023 The Blvd. email
St. Martinville: Wednesdays, 10 am, Longfellow-Evangeline State Park, 1200 N. Main. 337-394-3754
Scott: 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, 1 pm, Begnaud House, 110 Benoit Patin Rd. email
Thibodaux: Tuesdays, 5 pm, Jean Lafitte Center, 314 St. Mary St. email
Ville Platte: Mondays, 2 pm, Hundred Fold Coffee Shop on Coreil St. email
Via Zoom: Mondays, 9 am. To connect to the meeting, contact email.
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Acadian Museum is a Louisiana 501(c)(3) nonprofit sponsored by the Francophone Section of the Louisiana State Bar Association. All donations and paid newsletter subscriptions are tax-deductible.