Maya Angelou, one of the iconic African American prolific writers and a poet once said, “Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer. And let faith be the bridge you build to overcome evil and welcome good.” Yes, it is a heart full of gratitude that moved Fr. Piere Richaud, SMA on Saturday 4th March during a Thanksgiving mass at the church of Saint-Pierre-Eynac.
Situated 16 km from the breathtaking scenery of Puy-en-Velay in the Haute-Loire department in the Auvergne region, Fr. Richaud was surrounded by loving members of his family characterized by a strong bond knit together in unconditional love and support for each other. Present too in the church that dates to the 11th century and considered a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture, were nine members of his SMA family including the Provincial Superior of Lyon Fr. Francois du Penhoat, the counselor who is the former prelate of the archdiocese of Niamey in Niger, bishop Michel Cartatéguy as well as the parish priest of Eglise St. Pierre Eynac, Fr. Martin Randriamamory a native of Madagascar.
Vested in a colorful festive chasuble from the republic of Benin, Fr. Richaud began by paying homage to his family both biological and spiritual for their support and encouragement during his illness. He also acknowledged the medical staff for their professionalism in handling his situation when he was under the weight of sickness.
All the thanks in the world cannot express our gratitude
During his lively homily delivered from the altar overlooking the stunning frescoes characterized by scenes from the Bible and the lives of the saints that adorn the walls and vaulted ceilings of the church, Fr. Jean Paul Kpatcha, SMA said, "We are not here to say thank you because all the thanks in the world cannot express our gratitude.” The Director of Carrefour des Cultures Africaines (CCA) went on to say the Kabye of northern Togo say, "kudjou kilaa sèou fèi," "the gift overflows, exceeds expectations, so there is no need to say thank you." With a contagious smile on his face, he addressed Fr. Richaud as “Pierrot,” his epithet and this lightened the faces of his family members with smiles as if to say, “that is how we know him.” Going further, Fr. Jean Paul who is a native of Togo added that the Ewe of southern Togo, where Fr. Richaud worked, also say "thank you is not enough," "Akpé mesuo."
Online participation
The Mass that was transmitted live on YouTube and Facebook, saw the participation not just of the family and friends of Fr. Richaud but also the staff and the SMA seminarians in Togo formation house where he worked before being taken ill in February 2022. Thanks to technology, the exit song of the mass was sung from Lomé by the SMA seminarians who appreciated Fr. Richaud’s presence in their midst in Togo. Regrettably, the technical team did not display a screen for the assembly to see the community in Togo citing caution of distraction during the eucharistic celebration.
Bonding through Food, drink and music
A celebration is not complete without drink and food! This important aspect of human social interaction and culture provided an opportunity for family and friends of Fr. Richaud to connect, bond, and create lasting memories.
The Richaud family is not just widely respected and admired by the SMA Family but are also known for their integrity and strong sense of social responsibility by the local civil authorities. It is such a reputation that warranted them the use of the town hall facility free of charge for this celebration.
While they were still at table, the SMA confreres present took to the floor giving the celebration an African touch through music that cut across Kenya, Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, and Nigeria. Since good music with the sound of djembe does not go to waste, the floor was opened for dance.
18 years in administration
Seventy-six-year-old Fr. Richaud, who celebrates his priestly golden jubilee in June this year, had just completed 18 exciting and engaging years at the helm of SMA administration both in Africa and in France; 6 years as Benin's regional superior, 6 years as Lyon provincial counselor, and 6 years as Lyon provincial superior.
Passionate about travelling, Fr. Richaud reckons “I was spoiled.” In Africa like in France, he managed to visit places that he would have otherwise not. He considers himself a great client of both Air France and SNCF! His leadership position allowed him to discover the international aspect of SMA through the various international meetings.
Formation: Brave and courageous move
When Fr. Richaud announced that he was going back to Africa after 19 years of parting with the African climate, certain confreres considered the move as “brave and courageous.” “They are sending me to a country that I have never lived-in, and work I have never done,” he exclaimed. He underwent a one-year formation at Châtelard in Lyon to prepare him for his new role in Lomé -Togo accompanying the young men in formation. While at it he realized that it was becoming a serious commitment and that is when he gave his definitive nod to the appointment.
Fr. Richaud left for Togo in November 2020 and after what he called " great experience," he was back in Lyon for his annual vacation in June 2021. In September of the same year, upon spending some quality time with family including some of his 17 nephews and nieces, he went back to Lomé. Little did he know that this was his last trip to Togo and most likely the last to Africa.
Our Lady of Le Puy and Blessed Marion de Brésillac.
On the 6th of March 2022, Fr. Richaud was flown back to France aboard an air ambulance in a coma after suffering a brain hemorrhage.
Richaud's family was "preoccupied by his worrying situation," said Catherine, one of his nieces who is very fond of him and had visited him in Benin.
On the 12th of March, together with the Richaud family, at the chapel of La Guille at 27 Jules Brunard a prayer session was held invoking the intercession of Our Lady of Le Puy and Blessed Marion de Brésillac. Whether Fr. Richaud's healing now a happy resident of Montpellier can be attributed to the SMA founder or not is left for debate!
By Dominic Wabwireh
