The Rayne Acadian-Tribune from Rayne, Louisiana • 10

RAYNE ACADIAN TRIBUNE Thursday, August 2. 1979 Page 1(1 Leon Family Reunion Sunday Brings Many Members Together UA Saint From Louisiana? Diocese Publishes Book Exploring Question a The impact of the life and death of a young girl from (he srnall community of Richard, Louisiana, is described in a new book published by the Diocese of Lafayette. First published in 1975 as a series of articles in The Morning Star, weekly newspaper of the diocese, the book is a reprint of the five articles about Charlene Richard who died of leukemia in 1959 at the age of 12. "No other article or series in our diocesan newspaper, in the five years that I was its editor, have prompted so many requests for copies and reprints," said Father Richard R. Green.

Entitled CHARLENE-A Saint From Southwest the book explores how the life and death of the young girl from Acadia Parish have affected thelivesof many people in southwest Louisiana, written by Barbara Lev, family, Louis Leon, child of Gaspard Leon and Marie Sauveur Leon, who was born August 12, 1872, and was christened on September 1 of that year by Father J. An-thoniez, S.J., Priest in Rayne at that time. Sponsors were Louis Leon and Anastasia Clement. At Sunday's reunion, Mr. Leon explained that as an outgrowth of this christening, some of the Leon family later were given the name of however their "roots" were all from the same original Leon family line.

The Baptismal Certificate held much interest during the day since it was taken from the records of St. Joseph Church entered by Father Anthoniez, first pastor. The day was a tremendous success, with everyone reluctantly saying "goodbyes" at a late hour Sunday, and already beginning plans to hold another such gat hering in the not too distant future. This summer has been marked by a number of grand family reunions as more and more the importance of "roots" has come into prominence, with backgrounds and traditions gaining in interest for everyone and none of these was more enjoyed than Sunday's gathering of the Leon family, held at the Knights of Columbus Home in Rayne, with members from throughout this area gathering for a wonderful meal at the noon hour, and old-time visiting and family fun. Represented were the children of the late Mr.

and Mrs. Louis Leon, and all their family members, heading the individual family groups being the children, Mrs. Emile Hanks, Yoland Leon Blanchard, Mrs. Percy Roberts, Lawrence Leon, Voorhies Leon, Louis Leon, Dennis Leon, David Leon and Oren Leon. Mrs.

Elmo Simon represented her mother, Mrs. Blanchard, with Oren Leon unable to attend. Everyone brought meats, fried chickens, roasts, hams, salads, vegetables and desserts galore for a bounteous dinner at the noon hour, with the guests "doing justice" to the fine cooks represented among the family members. Throughout the reunion a good band composed of family members provided traditional and popular Acadian tunes and other selections, and their music added much "joie d'vivre" to the reunion --besides providing for those who enjoyed dancing. An interesting display had been arranged including many old pictures of family members and family gatherings, and holding first interest in this display, arranged by Louis Leon, and his daughter, Mrs.

Patricia Gautreaux, was a copy of the Baptismal Certificate for the head of the noble manner. We invite you to read this journalist's account of the powerful influence of Charlene Richard, perhaps you will feel it, too." The book's publication coincides with the 20th Anniversary of the death of Charlene Richard, to be celebrated August 11, 1979. A special televised Mass will lake place al St. Edward Church, Richard, at 11 a.m. on that day.

Charlene is buried in the cemetery adjoining (he church where visitors slop almost daily to pray at her grave. CHARLENE A Saint from Southwest Louisiana? can be obtained from the Catholic Book Store, 515 Cathedral Street, Lafayelte, for a contribution of $5.00 lo order through the mail, send a check or money order in the amount of $6.00 $5.00 contribution plus $1.00 postage and handling) to Charlene P.O. Box 3223, Lafayette, La. 70502. Proceeds of the book will help support the work of the Office of Communications in its ministry in television, radio and print in Southwest Louisiana.

managing editor, of The Morning Star, the book is an objective and sympathetic insight into the beauty and innocence of one brief life whose memory has grown into legend. Priests, doctors, and acquaintances-many of whom are well-known and respected throughout the area--as well as those who never met the little girl, relate intriguing stories about Charlene's continuing influence in their lives. Some of them will tell you without hesitation that Ihey seek the child's intercession in daily prayer. Writing in a straightforward manner, the author skillfully separates fact from myth. But the reader is left with little doubt thai whether Charlene a saint, or whether she merely lived a noble life, her influence lingers and grows.

In the foreword to the book, written by Bishop Gerard L. Frey of Lafayette, the bishop said, "A holy and noble life consists not of grand, public achievements as much as the quietly spectacular feat of living each day in a holy and IT WAS A HAPPY Sunday's reunion of the Leon family, held at the K.C. Home here, was a happy occasion as these two, the oldest and youngest Leon in attendance, clearly indicate by their smiles! Lawrence Leon, 75, and Jessica Leon, who was to celebrate her very first birthday on August 1, created much interest as they posed for picture-taking. 1 fifc PBJ Hi: jiiiQi. 1 1 I Senate Bill Has $270 Million For Louisiana Projects i I A i I 3 -r 3I I KM IF i 1 i 1 1 II 1 LEON FAMILY PICTURES WERE ENJOYED- This interesting display of old Leon family pictures and other memorabilia held first interest at Sunday's reunion, the display being arranged by Mrs.

Patricia Gautreaux and her dad, Louis Leon, Jr. Centering the display was a Baptismal Certificate for the head of the family, Louis Leon, dated September 1, 1872. U.S. Senator Bennett Johnston today announced Senate approval of $270 million for public works projects in Louisiana. The funding for Louisiana is part of a national public works appropriations bill which was approved by a 90-6 vole of the Senate.

Senator Johnston, Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, noted that the Senate had trimmed more than $150 million from the public works appropriation recommended by President Carter. "The legislation, as passed by the Senate, represents a sound and responsible public works program, one which balances the need for restraint in federal spending wilh the need, for prudent management of the nation's energy and water resources," Johnston said. Senator Johnslon said the Appropriations bill will fund 44 separate projects in Louisiana, projects which are "vital lo improved flood protection, navigation, irrigation, and energy The legislation must now be considered by a House-Senate Conference: CHILDREN OF LATE MR. AND MRS. LOUIS LEON HONORED- Holding a place of first interest and recognition in Sunday's reunion of the Leon family, held at the K.C.

Home in Rayne, were these children of the late Mr. and Mrs. Louis Leon, who headed the long line of descendants present for the reunion. They included, seated, left to right, Mrs. Emile Hanks, Mrs.

Elmo Simon, sitting in for her mother, Mrs. Yoland Leon Blanchard, and Mrs. Percy Roberts; back row- Lawrence Leon, Voorhies Leon, Louis Leon, Dennis Leon, and David Leon. Unable to attend was Oren Leon. Enough hot dogs are produced in the U.S.

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Rayne, La. ONLY SUMMER CLEARA.