Born in France, Auguste Pelafigue immigrated to Louisiana with his family in 1889. As he grew up, Pelafigue devoted himself to the Catholic faith and was especially drawn to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
He joined the Apostleship of Prayer (now known as the "Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network"), and would help the local chapter hand out leaflets of the pope's monthly prayer intentions.
According to Ken Stickney for the The Acadiana Advocate, Pelafigue was a man who kept to himself, but also spent his life for the service of others.
He walked everywhere on foot, refusing rides, saying that, "by walking long distances he was doing penance for troubled souls."
In addition to his efforts in delivering pamphlets, he was also a catechist, teaching children religion and spreading devotion to the Sacred Heart. The Layfette Diocese gives a brief biography of his efforts.
He was affectionately known as "uncle," which in Cajun French was "Nonco." He was "everybody's uncle," according to Bishop J. Douglas Deshotel of Lafayette.
On account of his tireless work for others, his pastor requested that he receive pontifical honors, describing him like this:
His efforts were awarded with the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice medal, a recognition by the Holy See of his selfless work for the Church.
Pelafigue died in 1977 and his cause for canonization was officially opened on January 11, 2020. The USCCB gave their approval for his cause on November 17, 2021, during their annual assembly.
