“My place is with the men.”
— Rev. Lt. Joseph Verbis Lafleur
Fr. Verbis Lafleur Logo

Who is Father Verbis Lafleur?

Servant of God, heroic World War II U.S. Military hero, prisoner-of-war, Knight of Columbus, Catholic priest, Louisiana native, and hopefully soon— a saint!

Rev. Lieutenant Joseph Verbis Lafleur (1912 - 1944) was a Roman Catholic priest and a heroic United States Military chaplain who died as a Japanese prisoner of World War II in the sinking of the SS Shinyo Maru.

An Acadiana native, Fr. Verbis was last seen assisting his fellow men up the sinking ship’s ladder to safety.

On September 5, 2020, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lafayette in Louisiana, led by Bishop John Douglas Deshotel, officially opened the cause for the beatification of Rev. Lt. Joseph Verbis Lafleur. in 2021, the Cause was advanced by nearly 300 U.S. bishops.

The Cause is currently in the process of proving Servant of God Father Lafleur’s heroic virtue to the Vatican to elevate him, God willing, to Venerable.

Father Lafleur is one of three Cajun Catholics from Louisiana on the path to becoming a saint.

Joseph Verbis Lafleur was born in Ville Platte, Louisiana, on January 24, 1912— the fourth child born to Agatha Dupre and Valentine Lafleur.  When “Joe” was a young boy, he told his mother that he would be a priest one day. He was so sure of his calling that he became an altar boy at the young age of seven.

"Father, I want to become a priest. Can you help me?" — "Joe" Verbis Lafleur (14) to Father A. B. Colliard

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"Father, I want to become a priest. Can you help me?" — "Joe" Verbis Lafleur (14) to Father A. B. Colliard |

U.S. Military Hero

“I am volunteering for the military service because the other men do not have a choice … I hope they send me to the farthest away places.”

Within three years of parish ministry as a Catholic priest in Abbeville, LA, Fr. Lafleur volunteered for a chaplaincy in the U.S. Army Air Corps and was stationed at the Clark Field airport base in the Philippines in 1941.

On December 8, 1941— just ten hours after the successful attack on Pearl Harbor— Japanese warcraft attacked the base where Fr. Lafleur was residing.

During this intense attack on Clark Field, Fr. Lafleur led his fellow soldiers in faith, administered last rights, prayed with and for the dying, anointed the sick, bestowed absolution, and cared for the ill and wounded.

As a result of his heroic actions during WWII, U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt bestowed upon Lt. Rev. J. Verbis Lafleur the prestigious Distinguished Service Cross Medal (twice), the Bronze Star Medal, and the Purple Heart Medal (twice).

  • "The President of the United States of America... takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Chaplain) Joseph Verbis Lafleur, United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy."

    — Franklin D. Roosevelt | President of the United States (1942)

  • "Chaplain Lafleur worked among the wounded, removing them to safety, and comforting the dying. First Lieutenant Lafleur's intrepid actions, personal bravery, and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 5th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.”

    — Franklin D. Roosevelt | President of the United States (1942)

  • "For gallantry in action without regard to his personal safety... Father LaFleur went calmly among the wounded and dying administering religious comforts and solace, as well as assisting in their removal to shelters and to the hospital."

    — Franklin D. Roosevelt | President of the United States (1942)

  • "...[Fr. Lafleur's] continuous service during the intensive attacks of the enemy dive bombers and strafing airplanes set an example of heroic conduct under combat conditions."

    — Franklin D. Roosevelt | President of the United States (1942)

  • "On the day of the first attack at Clark Field, he [Fr. Lafleur] was magnificent. With absolute disregard to his personal safety, he went among the wounded soldiers giving spiritual comfort to those who desired it, assisting the doctors in giving care to the wounded, and helping in their evacuation. Never once did he take cover, never once did he think of himself. In the days that followed, he greatly assisted in keeping up the morale of the soldiers."

    — E.L. Eubank | Colonel, Army Air Forces

Prisoner of War

“Where will the men be? Will all of the men be going, too?
No? Then I shall stay here. My place is with the men.”

After the attack on Clark Field, Fr. Lafleur became “even more of a leader, working tirelessly to help the men in every personal way that he could. He even made it possible for me to communicate with my family during those terrible, uncertain days,” Major Smith shared.

On February 5, 1942, Fr. Lafleur declined Major Smith’s offer to return to safety in America: “Padre, I don’t think you should go to Malaboug this afternoon. There is a rumor that planes will be in tonight…”

“Where will the men be? Will all the men be going, too?” Fr. Lafleur asked. “No, only a few,” came the reply.

“Then I shall stay here. My place is with the men,” Fr. Lafleur stated with finality.

During Japanese imprisonment for nearly two and a half years, Fr. Lafleur served his fellow men selflessly and courageously, trading his belongings with the native Japanese— including his own eyeglasses— to provide for the critical needs of his fellow prisoners.

  • "Noting that they [prisoners] were receiving very little medical care and food and scarcely had clothes to wear, he traded everything he owned with the natives— his watch, his clothes, his food, even his eye glasses— in an attempt to secure necessary items for the sick."

    — Edna Lafleur Delery | Deceased Sister of Fr. Verbis Lafleur

  • "... the Japanese decided against sending a Chaplain [to imprisonment]... 'Padre' then went around from one man to another begging to go in someone's place. All refused. Finally, one man consented."

    — Edna Lafleur Delery | Deceased Sister of Fr. Verbis Lalfeur

Killed in Action

“The prisoners invited Chaplain Lafleur to be the first to escape the sinking ship. He refused and helped others to escape.”

In 1944, the Japanese loaded 750 prisoners into the hold of the Shinyo Maru with standing room only. Three weeks later, the vessel (which was flying with no white flag to indicate that prisoners-of-war were onboard) became the target of an American submarine. A deafening explosion was heard and the ship began to sink. The hatch of the ship opened, and the prisoners invited Fr. Lafleur to escape first. He refused. Weak and emaciated, Fr. Lafleur could have saved himself, as many servicemen did. Instead, he labored to get as many of his fellow prisoners as possible up the exit ladder to safety. 

Fr. Verbis Lafleur was last seen blessing and helping yet another soldier out of the sinking ship on September 7, 1944.

Only 83 of the 750 prisoners on the sinking ship survived. Fr. Lafleur was not among the survivors. The exact cause of death of Fr. Lafleur— whether by drowning or from bullets or grenades— has never been determined. His body was never recovered.

  • "Dear Mamma and all... I've had a feeling that something will happen and that a Father should go... I do not have to go, but if I didn't and something should happen... I could never face any of you again."

    — Fr. Verbis Lafleur | Farewell Letter

  • "I would feel as though I had not done my duty, so that is why I am going... I will be with you anyway and I will have a reserve seat up in Heaven."

    — Fr. Verbis Lafleur | Farewell Letter

  • "I am sure Our Lord will let me roll back just one little cloud so I can look down. And from up there, I will have a more beautiful view and a more perfect understanding... so until that day, may God bless all of you. Love, Verbis."

    — Fr. Verbis Lafleur | Farewell Letter

The Path to Sainthood

  • In 1945, Fr. Verbis’ classmates and family members gathered in Ville Platte for a Memorial Service in his honor.

  • In 1946, The Knights of Columbus held a parade in his honor from the Opelousas Court House to St. Landry Catholic Church in Louisiana.

  • The Notre Dame Seminary Alumni Association in New Orleans, LA, dedicated a bronze plaque in his memory on November 27, 1951.

  • On May 21, 1989, Fr. Verbis Lafleur was honored at the dedication of the Chaplain Hill Monument at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

  • In 2001, a committee dedicated to the cause of Fr. Verbis Lafleur was formed consisting of close family members and local clergy.

  • On December 7, 2005, a dedication of The Father Lafleur Shrine in St. Landry Catholic Church was held.

  • On September 5, 2020, the Diocese of Lafayette in Louisiana, led by Bishop J. Douglas Deshotel, officially opened Father Lafleur’s cause for Beatification and Canonization.

    Read more at the USCCB’s website

  • On June 17, 2021, 99% of the nation’s 300-plus bishops voted at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ spring general assembly to advance the cause for Canonization of Servant of God Father Joseph Lafleur, heroic U.S. Army chaplain of World War II.

    Read more at Catholic News Agency

    Read more at The National Catholic Register

"Greater love than this no man has that he lay down his life for his friends." — John 15:13

"Greater love than this no man has that he lay down his life for his friends." — John 15:13

Advance the Cause for Canonization

  • Share Your Testimony

    If you or someone you know has first-hand knowledge of alleged miracles or special favors granted due to the intercession of Servant of God Fr. Verbis Lafleur, we invite you to submit your testimony.

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  • Pray to Father Lafleur

    To further Servant of God Father Lafleur’s Cause, it is necessary and requested that prayers seeking his intercession be actively pursued.

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Latest News:
Father Verbis Lafleur

The Anniversary Mass of Servant of God Lt. Rev. J. Verbis Lafleur was celebrated on September 7, 2024 with special homilist Fr. Francis Lowe, son of Bill Lowe, POW imprisoned with Fr. Lafleur and Catholic convert.

  • "Father Lafleur meets all my criteria for patriotism and serves as a role model for all who seek to serve their country in a multi-dimensional role."

    — Dr. Billy R. Reagan | Radaman Second Class, USN / Superintendent of Houston, TX Schools

  • "Father Verbis Lafleur exemplifies anew the noble words of Our Divine Savior, 'Behold, I come to do Your Will, O God.' All who learn of him will be inspired to emulate the generosity of a priest whose resolute service in the military led to the supreme sacrifice."

    — Rev. Monsignor Jeff DeBlanc, Jr. | Diocese of Lafayette, LA

  • "There were many moments that I had 'chills' while reading Father Lafleur's story. Him being a native of my hometown— Ville Platte, LA— really made his life personal to me. He truly embodied what it meant to live in unity with Christ. After an in-depth journey into the literature and first-hand accounts, I believe Acadiana will be blessed to say 'Saint Verbis Lafleur' one day."

    — Taylor McCaulley | Website Creator, McCaulley Media

  • "Truly, Father Lafleur lived a heroic life dedicated to God, his Church, country, and family."

    — Rev. Monsignor John G. Fitzgerald | California, USA

  • "In a time when so many, both within the Church and society, are searching for role models, the life and death of Father Verbis Lafleur provides a splendid example of courageous faith and heroic civic virtues. No doubt, all who learn of him will be inspired to live the Catholic faith with deeper commitment and service for the common good. He is a testiment to God's timeless grace."

    — Most Reverend Gregory M. Aymond | Archbishop of New Orleans, LA

  • "It has been said 'a little light goes a long way.' Father Joseph Verbis Lafleur is the 'light' that helped many U.S. Military Men navigate the dark rooms within themselves as they endured being prisoners of World War II. Fr. Lafleur's story is one of the rare ones that change the way you think about everything— he is as close to anything we now have to a definition of the real character of a Blessed Saint."

    — Harold J. Arata | Colonel, USAF

  • "Father Lafleur's life is bound to inspire both young and old. He presents as a remarkable priest, living his vocation, while serving his people in an extraordinary way to the very end... and beyond."

    — Lawrence LeLeux | St. Francis of Assisi Religious Goods | Houston, TX

  • "The outstanding heroism of Father Lafleur is a remarkable chapter in the outstanding service our military clergy performs on our battlefields as they unselfishly and bravely minister to our wounded and our dead."

    — Johnny Rayond | Lietenant Colonel, U.S. Army

  • "Father Joseph— one who had a heart full of faith— is one of America's greatest heroes."

    — Elbert Lee Guillory | State Senator, Louisiana, USA

  • "Having been a member of the military service for over thirty years, and served overseas in the Philippine Islands, Korea, Vietnam, and several other countries as a military lawyer and judge, I happily take this opportunity to say that I have never heard of a more devoted person to the United States Army, as well as his Church, than Father Verbis Lafleur— only the words 'hero' and 'devotion' come to mind."

    — Jack Crouchet | Colonel, U.S. Army

  • "Father J. Verbis Lafleur physically embraced his fellow prisoners-of-war while ministering the spiritual words of God to those who were saved and continued the same passion with those he followed in death."

    — Lincoln “Link” Savoie | Chief Warrant Officer, U.S. Army

  • "... it is our charge to do everything possible to bring to pass this petition that has been handed to us— that ultimately Father Lafleur be declared a saint... In my opinion, he certainly does have all the qualities necessary to become a Saint."

    — Philip M. Hannan | Archbishop Emeritus of New Orleans, LA

  • "The world needs such an example justice, charity, and everything that made Father Lafleur the outstanding priest and chaplain he was. We particularly need such examples in the American military."

    — Philip M. Hannan | Archbishop Emeritus of New Orleans, LA