Charlene Richard was born in the rural community of Richard, Louisiana, in 1947. Her life took a dramatic turn in 1959, when she was diagnosed with acute lymphatic leukemia at just 12 years old. A hospital chaplain broke the news to her that she was dying, and her reaction left a lasting impression on many.

Terminal Illness Met With Enduring Faith

After learning of her illness, Charlene began a daily practice of offering up her pain and suffering for the well-being of others. According to Nanette Reiners, president of the Charlene Richard Foundation, Charlene would ask the chaplain each day who she could pray for and suffer for. Her faith during this difficult time moved those around her and has inspired generations since.

Charlene died later that year, but stories of her unwavering faith and spiritual maturity quickly began to circulate. People began visiting her gravesite in Richard, hoping for comfort, healing, and in some cases, miracles. Over time, accounts emerged of answered prayers and unexplained recoveries linked to petitions made in her name.

One such story involved a pregnant woman who had been told her unborn child had two significant brain abnormalities. After praying at Charlene’s grave, the woman later gave birth, and doctors found no trace of the conditions. She plans to share this experience publicly at the annual memorial Mass for Charlene, held at St. Edward Catholic Church in Richard.

Canonization Process Begins in Louisiana

In 2020, decades after Charlene’s death, the Diocese of Lafayette and the Diocese of Alexandria formally began investigating the possibility of her canonization. They collected documents, testimonials, and other evidence to support her case. The comprehensive effort resulted in a report that spans more than 1,900 pages.

Father Taylor Reynolds of the Diocese of Alexandria emphasized the depth of their research. “We’ve gotten documents, we’ve talked to witnesses, all kinds of research,” he said, underscoring the gravity of the process and communal dedication involved in moving her cause forward.

In June, that report was officially submitted to the Vatican, and Church authorities in Rome gave their approval to proceed. This significant milestone marks the first official endorsement from the Vatican in the steps toward sainthood for Charlene Richard.

What Comes Next on the Road to Sainthood

Now that the initial approval has been granted, the next step is determining whether Charlene will be declared “venerable,” a key title signifying that she lived a life of heroic virtue. Only after that point can the Church consider beatification, the third of four stages in the canonization process.

To be canonized as a saint, the Catholic Church requires one confirmed miracle for beatification and a second one for full canonization. If these benchmarks are met, Charlene would become the first official saint from Louisiana and only the 13th American saint recognized by the Catholic Church.

Father Reynolds urged continued prayers for the cause. “Just pray for us, pray for this cause,” he said. “Because at this point it’s in Rome’s hands now.”

Global Recognition of a Local Life

Interest in Charlene’s story has spread far beyond her small hometown. Each year, thousands of pilgrims travel to her grave, and prayer cards bearing her name have been distributed around the world. Supporters from as far away as Brazil and Singapore have requested materials to learn more about her life and to pray for her intercession.

Reiners noted the global reach of Charlene’s influence. “She’s known all around the world,” Reiners said. “I've mailed prayer cards to probably every state in the United States. I've mailed some to other countries like Brazil, Singapore.”

Though many years have passed since her untimely death, the momentum behind Charlene’s cause continues to build. Locals and international supporters alike are awaiting the Church’s next formal declaration in her path to sainthood.