Sr. Thea Bowman, a religious of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration based in La Crosse, Wisconsin, is currently on her way to potentially being recognized as a canonized Catholic saint.
The Diocese of Jackson, Mississippi, is in charge of her cause for canonization and has recently completed its local investigation into her life.
Nate Tinner-Williams writes for the Black Catholic Messenger that "Bishop Joseph Kopacz will celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving during Black History Month at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle on Monday, February 9, followed by official proceedings to mark the transition of the cause to the Roman Phase, which could soon see Bowman named 'Venerable' by the pope."
The Diocese of Jackson has completed its extensive investigation into Bowman's life, reviewing it for signs of "heroic virtue." The Vatican will now review the findings and make a final determination before presenting it to the pope for confirmation.
Who was Sr. Thea Bowman?
Thea Bowman was a trailblazer in the United States. She worked zealously as a teacher and made a profound impact on the African American community that endures to this day. Her life is an inspiration to many and recently the Diocese of Jackson, Mississippi, has begun investigating her life in a possible case for her canonization.
Bowman was born on December 29, 1937, in Yazoo City, Mississippi. Her grandfather was born into slavery, and she was raised in the Methodist faith. After her family moved to Canton, Mississippi, Bowman was enrolled in Holy Child Jesus school. While there Bowman was drawn to the Catholic faith and asked her parents if she could become Catholic at age 9.
When she turned 15 Bowman moved to La Crosse, Wisconsin, and joined the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration (FSPA). She became the first African American member of that order.
After attending Viterbo University, she pursued advanced studies at the Catholic Unviersity of America. She then spent 16 years teaching at all levels of education. After this career in education the bishop of Jackson, Mississippi, invited her to be a consultant in his diocese.
She accepted the new position and worked for many years breaking down barriers. According to the FSPA's website, "In her role as consultant Sister Thea ... 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."
After a fight with breast cancer, Bowman died on March 30, 1990. She was revered as a holy woman during her lifetime and has continued to inspire many since her death.
