Sister Thea Bowman's Story
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. Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration continue to follow the Diocese of Jackson’s lead as the process moves forward. We’ve added an intention in our Adoration Chapel for everyone involved. The process has been documented in numerous news media articles, as featured on our Thea In The News page.
visit her cause for canonization
Documentary
"Going Home Like a Shooting Star: Thea Bowman's Journey to Sainthood"
The documentary at the top of this page tells Sister Thea Bowman's story. Released Oct. 2, 2022, the documentary aired on ABC stations through early January 2023. The Diocese of Jackson Mississippi released the film on its YouTube page and welcomes viewing donations on the Thea Bowman canonization website.
Two Contemporary Prophets: The Fire
Loyola Marymount's Professor Michael Howard gave a presentation on the lives of contemporary prophets, Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Sister Thea Bowman. Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration Laura Nettles, a member of the FSPA Anti-Racism Team, shares her insights into Sister Thea's life. Listener note: when you tap the play button you'll hear a voice. The presentation starts around the 2:28 mark.
About Thea
Born Dec. 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, Sister 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. Explore more of Sister Thea's story, watch videos and view photos using the buttons above.