Canonization Case for Sister Thea Bowman Approved : Sr Thea Bowman’s Cause for Canonization Could Open at US bishops’ Meeting : From the Desk of Bishop Braxton : “I’m Going Home Like a Shooting Star!” The Remarkable Sister Thea Bowman, F.S.P.A. : Sister“O God, Glorify Thea….”
Sister Thea Bowman’s Story
(Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration)
Cause for Canonization
The U.S. bishops endorsed the sainthood cause of Sister Thea Bowman on Nov. 14, 2018, during their fall assembly in Baltimore. The granddaughter of slaves, she was the only African-American member of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, and she transcended racism to leave a lasting mark on U.S. Catholic life in the late 20th century. Read U.S. Bishops Conduct Canonical Consultation on Cause for Canonization of Thea Bowman, FSPA
Now, Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration will follow Diocese of Jackson’s lead as the process moves forward. With the bishops’ vote, the case will go to Rome to be opened. “Sister Mary Ann Gschwind, as FSPA archivist, serves on the Historical Commission for the Cause of Beatification and Canonization of Servant of God, Sister Thea Bowman,” explains Sister Eileen McKenzie, president. “When representatives from the Diocese of Jackson are ready to visit La Crosse, Wisconsin, our archives and heritage areas will be open to them. We’ve added an intention in our Adoration Chapel for everyone involved.”
The process has been documented in numerous news media articles, as featured below and on our Thea In The News page.
Visit the official website: Sister Thea Bowman Cause for Canonization
Images
Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration provides images for download and public use (see link below). Please credit Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, www.fspa.org.
Visit our Sister Thea Bowman photo album
About Thea
Born December 29, 1937, in Yazoo City, Mississippi, Thea was reared as a Protestant until at age nine when she asked her parents if she could become a Catholic.
Gifted with a brilliant mind, beautiful voice and a dynamic personality, Sister Thea shared the message of God’s love through a teaching career. After 16 years of teaching, at the elementary, secondary and university level, the bishop of Jackson, Mississippi, invited her to become the consultant for intercultural awareness.
In her role as consultant Sister Thea, an African-American, gave presentations across the country; lively gatherings that combined singing, gospel preaching, prayer and storytelling. Her programs were directed to break down racial and cultural barriers. She encouraged people to communicate with one another so that they could understand other cultures and races.
In 1984, Sr. Thea was diagnosed with breast cancer. She prayed “to live until I die.” Her prayer was answered, and Thea continued her gatherings seated in a wheelchair. In 1989, the U.S. bishops invited her to be a key speaker at their conference on Black Catholics. At the end of the meeting, at Thea’s invitation, the bishops stood and sang “We Shall Overcome” with gusto.
Thea lived a full life. She fought evil, especially prejudice, suspicion, hatred and things that drive people apart. She fought for God and God’s people until her death in 1990. next–>
Canonization Case for Sister Thea Bowman Approved : Sr Thea Bowman’s Cause for Canonization Could Open at US bishops’ Meeting : From the Desk of Bishop Braxton : “I’m Going Home Like a Shooting Star!” The Remarkable Sister Thea Bowman, F.S.P.A. : “O God, Glorify Thea….”
