CHARLENE MARIE RICHARD
1947 - 1959
Charlene was born January 13, 1947. After being diagnosed with acute lymphatic leukemia, she died on August 11, 1959, at the age of 12. During her confinement in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Lafayette, LA, Charlene would offer her prayers and suffering to God each day for the benefit of others.
"She was a faith-filled little girl", said Fr Joseph Brennan, a priest for the Diocese of Lafayette, LA, who was serving as hospital chaplain and ministered to Charlene during her final days.
"I see Charlene as a witness for people of all ages to the power of resignation and acceptance of God's will", said Fr Brennan. "She wasn't different in any way except that when the crisis came in her life - and it came very early - she accepted it with faith and trust and love."