| Novena Starts: | August 2 |
| Feastday: | August 11 |
| Birth: | 1947 |
| Death: | 1959 |
Patron saint of children and young people with cancer, the terminally ill and those who nurse them, grieving parents, the people of Acadiana, and all who offer their sufferings for others
Servant of God Charlene Richard Novena
Servant of God Charlene Richard (1947-1959) was an ordinary Cajun girl from Richard, Louisiana, who loved softball and had just read a life of St. Therese when she was found to have acute leukemia. She was given about two weeks. The hospital chaplain, Father Joseph Brennan, told her the truth and then asked whether she would offer her suffering for other people, and every day after that he brought her a new name to suffer for. She died on the eleventh of August, 1959, aged twelve, and Acadiana has been going to her grave ever since. Her cause was opened in 2020. Pray this novena for her beatification, for children with cancer and the terminally ill, and for the favor you most need.
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Day 1
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
O God, who chose what is little and hidden to shame the strength of the world, we bless you for Charlene Richard, a child of twelve from a Louisiana farm, who had nothing to give you but her pain and gave you that entirely.
Dear Charlene, you had just read of Saint Therese and asked whether an ordinary girl could become a saint, and God answered you sooner and harder than you expected. When the priest told you that you were dying you cried, as anyone would, and then you asked what you should do. And when he asked whether you would offer your suffering for other people, you said yes, and you kept saying yes every morning for thirteen days, taking each new name he brought you and carrying it.
You never left your parish, you were never famous while you lived, and you did nothing that anyone would call great. You simply refused to waste your suffering. Teach us that, for we waste ours daily.
Obtain, we beg you, comfort and courage for every child in a hospital bed tonight, for parents keeping watch who cannot help, and for all who are told there is nothing more to be done. Give to the dying your peace, and to those who nurse them your cheerfulness. And teach us who are not dying to offer the small pains of an ordinary day for someone who needs them more than we do.
And now, dear Charlene, we place in your hands the particular favor we ask through your intercession.
(mention request here…)
Obtain this for us, if it be according to the will of God and for the good of our souls.
Amen.
Prayer for her Beatification
O God, source of all holiness, you gave your servant Charlene Richard the grace to accept her illness with faith and to offer her sufferings for the good of others. If it be your will, glorify her now in the sight of your Church, and grant through her intercession the favors we ask, so that she may be numbered among the Blessed and that many may learn from her how to turn their own suffering into love. Through Christ our Lord.
Our Father
Hail Mary
Glory Be
Servant of God Charlene Richard, pray for us!
Amen.
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Answered Prayers from the Community
“I received tremendous peace throughout as well as new understandings. On the last day I received a beautiful gift I didn’t ask for, a beautiful memory of my son. I’m so grateful and extremely happy! Thank you St Michael!! Glory to you O sweet God!!”
Day 2
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
O God, who chose what is little and hidden to shame the strength of the world, we bless you for Charlene Richard, a child of twelve from a Louisiana farm, who had nothing to give you but her pain and gave you that entirely.
Dear Charlene, you had just read of Saint Therese and asked whether an ordinary girl could become a saint, and God answered you sooner and harder than you expected. When the priest told you that you were dying you cried, as anyone would, and then you asked what you should do. And when he asked whether you would offer your suffering for other people, you said yes, and you kept saying yes every morning for thirteen days, taking each new name he brought you and carrying it.
You never left your parish, you were never famous while you lived, and you did nothing that anyone would call great. You simply refused to waste your suffering. Teach us that, for we waste ours daily.
Obtain, we beg you, comfort and courage for every child in a hospital bed tonight, for parents keeping watch who cannot help, and for all who are told there is nothing more to be done. Give to the dying your peace, and to those who nurse them your cheerfulness. And teach us who are not dying to offer the small pains of an ordinary day for someone who needs them more than we do.
And now, dear Charlene, we place in your hands the particular favor we ask through your intercession.
(mention request here…)
Obtain this for us, if it be according to the will of God and for the good of our souls.
Amen.
Prayer for her Beatification
O God, source of all holiness, you gave your servant Charlene Richard the grace to accept her illness with faith and to offer her sufferings for the good of others. If it be your will, glorify her now in the sight of your Church, and grant through her intercession the favors we ask, so that she may be numbered among the Blessed and that many may learn from her how to turn their own suffering into love. Through Christ our Lord.
Our Father
Hail Mary
Glory Be
Servant of God Charlene Richard, pray for us!
Amen.
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Answered Prayers from the Community
“I received tremendous peace throughout as well as new understandings. On the last day I received a beautiful gift I didn’t ask for, a beautiful memory of my son. I’m so grateful and extremely happy! Thank you St Michael!! Glory to you O sweet God!!”
Day 3
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
O God, who chose what is little and hidden to shame the strength of the world, we bless you for Charlene Richard, a child of twelve from a Louisiana farm, who had nothing to give you but her pain and gave you that entirely.
Dear Charlene, you had just read of Saint Therese and asked whether an ordinary girl could become a saint, and God answered you sooner and harder than you expected. When the priest told you that you were dying you cried, as anyone would, and then you asked what you should do. And when he asked whether you would offer your suffering for other people, you said yes, and you kept saying yes every morning for thirteen days, taking each new name he brought you and carrying it.
You never left your parish, you were never famous while you lived, and you did nothing that anyone would call great. You simply refused to waste your suffering. Teach us that, for we waste ours daily.
Obtain, we beg you, comfort and courage for every child in a hospital bed tonight, for parents keeping watch who cannot help, and for all who are told there is nothing more to be done. Give to the dying your peace, and to those who nurse them your cheerfulness. And teach us who are not dying to offer the small pains of an ordinary day for someone who needs them more than we do.
And now, dear Charlene, we place in your hands the particular favor we ask through your intercession.
(mention request here…)
Obtain this for us, if it be according to the will of God and for the good of our souls.
Amen.
Prayer for her Beatification
O God, source of all holiness, you gave your servant Charlene Richard the grace to accept her illness with faith and to offer her sufferings for the good of others. If it be your will, glorify her now in the sight of your Church, and grant through her intercession the favors we ask, so that she may be numbered among the Blessed and that many may learn from her how to turn their own suffering into love. Through Christ our Lord.
Our Father
Hail Mary
Glory Be
Servant of God Charlene Richard, pray for us!
Amen.
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Answered Prayers from the Community
“I received tremendous peace throughout as well as new understandings. On the last day I received a beautiful gift I didn’t ask for, a beautiful memory of my son. I’m so grateful and extremely happy! Thank you St Michael!! Glory to you O sweet God!!”
Day 4
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
O God, who chose what is little and hidden to shame the strength of the world, we bless you for Charlene Richard, a child of twelve from a Louisiana farm, who had nothing to give you but her pain and gave you that entirely.
Dear Charlene, you had just read of Saint Therese and asked whether an ordinary girl could become a saint, and God answered you sooner and harder than you expected. When the priest told you that you were dying you cried, as anyone would, and then you asked what you should do. And when he asked whether you would offer your suffering for other people, you said yes, and you kept saying yes every morning for thirteen days, taking each new name he brought you and carrying it.
You never left your parish, you were never famous while you lived, and you did nothing that anyone would call great. You simply refused to waste your suffering. Teach us that, for we waste ours daily.
Obtain, we beg you, comfort and courage for every child in a hospital bed tonight, for parents keeping watch who cannot help, and for all who are told there is nothing more to be done. Give to the dying your peace, and to those who nurse them your cheerfulness. And teach us who are not dying to offer the small pains of an ordinary day for someone who needs them more than we do.
And now, dear Charlene, we place in your hands the particular favor we ask through your intercession.
(mention request here…)
Obtain this for us, if it be according to the will of God and for the good of our souls.
Amen.
Prayer for her Beatification
O God, source of all holiness, you gave your servant Charlene Richard the grace to accept her illness with faith and to offer her sufferings for the good of others. If it be your will, glorify her now in the sight of your Church, and grant through her intercession the favors we ask, so that she may be numbered among the Blessed and that many may learn from her how to turn their own suffering into love. Through Christ our Lord.
Our Father
Hail Mary
Glory Be
Servant of God Charlene Richard, pray for us!
Amen.
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Answered Prayers from the Community
“I received tremendous peace throughout as well as new understandings. On the last day I received a beautiful gift I didn’t ask for, a beautiful memory of my son. I’m so grateful and extremely happy! Thank you St Michael!! Glory to you O sweet God!!”
Day 5
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
O God, who chose what is little and hidden to shame the strength of the world, we bless you for Charlene Richard, a child of twelve from a Louisiana farm, who had nothing to give you but her pain and gave you that entirely.
Dear Charlene, you had just read of Saint Therese and asked whether an ordinary girl could become a saint, and God answered you sooner and harder than you expected. When the priest told you that you were dying you cried, as anyone would, and then you asked what you should do. And when he asked whether you would offer your suffering for other people, you said yes, and you kept saying yes every morning for thirteen days, taking each new name he brought you and carrying it.
You never left your parish, you were never famous while you lived, and you did nothing that anyone would call great. You simply refused to waste your suffering. Teach us that, for we waste ours daily.
Obtain, we beg you, comfort and courage for every child in a hospital bed tonight, for parents keeping watch who cannot help, and for all who are told there is nothing more to be done. Give to the dying your peace, and to those who nurse them your cheerfulness. And teach us who are not dying to offer the small pains of an ordinary day for someone who needs them more than we do.
And now, dear Charlene, we place in your hands the particular favor we ask through your intercession.
(mention request here…)
Obtain this for us, if it be according to the will of God and for the good of our souls.
Amen.
Prayer for her Beatification
O God, source of all holiness, you gave your servant Charlene Richard the grace to accept her illness with faith and to offer her sufferings for the good of others. If it be your will, glorify her now in the sight of your Church, and grant through her intercession the favors we ask, so that she may be numbered among the Blessed and that many may learn from her how to turn their own suffering into love. Through Christ our Lord.
Our Father
Hail Mary
Glory Be
Servant of God Charlene Richard, pray for us!
Amen.
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Answered Prayers from the Community
“I received tremendous peace throughout as well as new understandings. On the last day I received a beautiful gift I didn’t ask for, a beautiful memory of my son. I’m so grateful and extremely happy! Thank you St Michael!! Glory to you O sweet God!!”
Day 6
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
O God, who chose what is little and hidden to shame the strength of the world, we bless you for Charlene Richard, a child of twelve from a Louisiana farm, who had nothing to give you but her pain and gave you that entirely.
Dear Charlene, you had just read of Saint Therese and asked whether an ordinary girl could become a saint, and God answered you sooner and harder than you expected. When the priest told you that you were dying you cried, as anyone would, and then you asked what you should do. And when he asked whether you would offer your suffering for other people, you said yes, and you kept saying yes every morning for thirteen days, taking each new name he brought you and carrying it.
You never left your parish, you were never famous while you lived, and you did nothing that anyone would call great. You simply refused to waste your suffering. Teach us that, for we waste ours daily.
Obtain, we beg you, comfort and courage for every child in a hospital bed tonight, for parents keeping watch who cannot help, and for all who are told there is nothing more to be done. Give to the dying your peace, and to those who nurse them your cheerfulness. And teach us who are not dying to offer the small pains of an ordinary day for someone who needs them more than we do.
And now, dear Charlene, we place in your hands the particular favor we ask through your intercession.
(mention request here…)
Obtain this for us, if it be according to the will of God and for the good of our souls.
Amen.
Prayer for her Beatification
O God, source of all holiness, you gave your servant Charlene Richard the grace to accept her illness with faith and to offer her sufferings for the good of others. If it be your will, glorify her now in the sight of your Church, and grant through her intercession the favors we ask, so that she may be numbered among the Blessed and that many may learn from her how to turn their own suffering into love. Through Christ our Lord.
Our Father
Hail Mary
Glory Be
Servant of God Charlene Richard, pray for us!
Amen.
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Answered Prayers from the Community
“I received tremendous peace throughout as well as new understandings. On the last day I received a beautiful gift I didn’t ask for, a beautiful memory of my son. I’m so grateful and extremely happy! Thank you St Michael!! Glory to you O sweet God!!”
Day 7
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
O God, who chose what is little and hidden to shame the strength of the world, we bless you for Charlene Richard, a child of twelve from a Louisiana farm, who had nothing to give you but her pain and gave you that entirely.
Dear Charlene, you had just read of Saint Therese and asked whether an ordinary girl could become a saint, and God answered you sooner and harder than you expected. When the priest told you that you were dying you cried, as anyone would, and then you asked what you should do. And when he asked whether you would offer your suffering for other people, you said yes, and you kept saying yes every morning for thirteen days, taking each new name he brought you and carrying it.
You never left your parish, you were never famous while you lived, and you did nothing that anyone would call great. You simply refused to waste your suffering. Teach us that, for we waste ours daily.
Obtain, we beg you, comfort and courage for every child in a hospital bed tonight, for parents keeping watch who cannot help, and for all who are told there is nothing more to be done. Give to the dying your peace, and to those who nurse them your cheerfulness. And teach us who are not dying to offer the small pains of an ordinary day for someone who needs them more than we do.
And now, dear Charlene, we place in your hands the particular favor we ask through your intercession.
(mention request here…)
Obtain this for us, if it be according to the will of God and for the good of our souls.
Amen.
Prayer for her Beatification
O God, source of all holiness, you gave your servant Charlene Richard the grace to accept her illness with faith and to offer her sufferings for the good of others. If it be your will, glorify her now in the sight of your Church, and grant through her intercession the favors we ask, so that she may be numbered among the Blessed and that many may learn from her how to turn their own suffering into love. Through Christ our Lord.
Our Father
Hail Mary
Glory Be
Servant of God Charlene Richard, pray for us!
Amen.
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Answered Prayers from the Community
“I received tremendous peace throughout as well as new understandings. On the last day I received a beautiful gift I didn’t ask for, a beautiful memory of my son. I’m so grateful and extremely happy! Thank you St Michael!! Glory to you O sweet God!!”
Day 8
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
O God, who chose what is little and hidden to shame the strength of the world, we bless you for Charlene Richard, a child of twelve from a Louisiana farm, who had nothing to give you but her pain and gave you that entirely.
Dear Charlene, you had just read of Saint Therese and asked whether an ordinary girl could become a saint, and God answered you sooner and harder than you expected. When the priest told you that you were dying you cried, as anyone would, and then you asked what you should do. And when he asked whether you would offer your suffering for other people, you said yes, and you kept saying yes every morning for thirteen days, taking each new name he brought you and carrying it.
You never left your parish, you were never famous while you lived, and you did nothing that anyone would call great. You simply refused to waste your suffering. Teach us that, for we waste ours daily.
Obtain, we beg you, comfort and courage for every child in a hospital bed tonight, for parents keeping watch who cannot help, and for all who are told there is nothing more to be done. Give to the dying your peace, and to those who nurse them your cheerfulness. And teach us who are not dying to offer the small pains of an ordinary day for someone who needs them more than we do.
And now, dear Charlene, we place in your hands the particular favor we ask through your intercession.
(mention request here…)
Obtain this for us, if it be according to the will of God and for the good of our souls.
Amen.
Prayer for her Beatification
O God, source of all holiness, you gave your servant Charlene Richard the grace to accept her illness with faith and to offer her sufferings for the good of others. If it be your will, glorify her now in the sight of your Church, and grant through her intercession the favors we ask, so that she may be numbered among the Blessed and that many may learn from her how to turn their own suffering into love. Through Christ our Lord.
Our Father
Hail Mary
Glory Be
Servant of God Charlene Richard, pray for us!
Amen.
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Answered Prayers from the Community
“I received tremendous peace throughout as well as new understandings. On the last day I received a beautiful gift I didn’t ask for, a beautiful memory of my son. I’m so grateful and extremely happy! Thank you St Michael!! Glory to you O sweet God!!”
Day 9
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
O God, who chose what is little and hidden to shame the strength of the world, we bless you for Charlene Richard, a child of twelve from a Louisiana farm, who had nothing to give you but her pain and gave you that entirely.
Dear Charlene, you had just read of Saint Therese and asked whether an ordinary girl could become a saint, and God answered you sooner and harder than you expected. When the priest told you that you were dying you cried, as anyone would, and then you asked what you should do. And when he asked whether you would offer your suffering for other people, you said yes, and you kept saying yes every morning for thirteen days, taking each new name he brought you and carrying it.
You never left your parish, you were never famous while you lived, and you did nothing that anyone would call great. You simply refused to waste your suffering. Teach us that, for we waste ours daily.
Obtain, we beg you, comfort and courage for every child in a hospital bed tonight, for parents keeping watch who cannot help, and for all who are told there is nothing more to be done. Give to the dying your peace, and to those who nurse them your cheerfulness. And teach us who are not dying to offer the small pains of an ordinary day for someone who needs them more than we do.
And now, dear Charlene, we place in your hands the particular favor we ask through your intercession.
(mention request here…)
Obtain this for us, if it be according to the will of God and for the good of our souls.
Amen.
Prayer for her Beatification
O God, source of all holiness, you gave your servant Charlene Richard the grace to accept her illness with faith and to offer her sufferings for the good of others. If it be your will, glorify her now in the sight of your Church, and grant through her intercession the favors we ask, so that she may be numbered among the Blessed and that many may learn from her how to turn their own suffering into love. Through Christ our Lord.
Our Father
Hail Mary
Glory Be
Servant of God Charlene Richard, pray for us!
Amen.
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Answered Prayers from the Community
“I received tremendous peace throughout as well as new understandings. On the last day I received a beautiful gift I didn’t ask for, a beautiful memory of my son. I’m so grateful and extremely happy! Thank you St Michael!! Glory to you O sweet God!!”
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