Servant of God Sr. Thea Bowman’s story continues to inspire Catholics because of her joyful faith, prophetic voice and unwavering belief that the Church is strengthened by every culture and people. More than a teacher or speaker, Sr. Thea witnessed to racial justice, evangelization, and hope, helping many Catholics see what it means to be both “fully black and fully Catholic.”

Born Bertha Elizabeth Bowman in Mississippi in 1937, she was drawn to Catholicism through the witness of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration who taught at her school. Although raised in a Protestant family, she asked to become Catholic at age nine because she was deeply moved by the sisters’ faith and service. At 15, she entered religious life, becoming the only African American member of her religious community.

Sr. Thea’s ministry unfolded during segregation and the civil rights movement. She experienced racism personally, yet refused to let prejudice define her response. Instead, she dedicated her life to teaching, evangelization, and building understanding across cultures. After years of teaching at the elementary, secondary, and university levels, she became a national speaker and consultant for intercultural awareness in the Diocese of Jackson, Mississippi. Her presentations blended storytelling, gospel music, prayer, and humor to help people confront racial division and appreciate the richness of black spirituality.

One of Sr. Thea’s most enduring contributions was her call for the Catholic Church to recognize the gifts black Catholics bring to the life of the Church. In her historic 1989 address to the U.S. bishops, delivered while she battled cancer, she challenged Church leaders to embrace black culture not as something separate from Catholicism, but as a vital part of it. She spoke of bringing her “black self” fully into the Church as a gift, concluding her address by inviting the bishops to stand and sing “We Shall Overcome,” which became a moment remembered as both joyful and transformative.

Even after a breast cancer diagnosis in 1984, Sr. Thea traveled and spoke from her wheelchair.  Having often prayed “to live until I die,” she remained active in ministry until her death in 1990. Her witness of courage, joy, and deep faith continues to resonate with Catholics across the country.

Today, Sr. Thea’s influence lives on through Catholic schools, black Catholic ministries, and ongoing efforts toward racial justice and inclusion within the Church. In 2018, the Diocese of Jackson formally opened her cause for canonization, giving her the title “Servant of God.” Earlier this year, the diocesan phase of the process concluded, and materials were sent to the Vatican for review.

The Archdiocese of Cincinnati’s fourth Saintly Seven session on July 7 will reflect on Sr. Thea Bowman’s life and ministry and the advancement of her cause for canonization. Hosted by the archdiocesan Anti-Racism Task Force, the gathering begins at 6:30 p.m. at Salem Heights, home of the Sisters of the Precious Blood in Dayton (4560 Denlinger Rd.), with a livestream option also available. The presentation will be co-guided by Sr. LaKesha Church, CPPS.

THE SAINTLY SEVEN SERIES

Session 4: Servant of God Sr. Thea Bowman

Tuesday, July 7, Central House of the Sisters of the Precious Blood, Dayton, 6:30 p.m.

Session 5: Servant of God Julia Greeley

Sunday, Aug. 23, Lehman High School,

Sidney, 12:45 p.m.

Session 6: Venerable Henriette Delille

Sunday, Sept. 20, St. Benedict the Moor,

Dayton, 1:30 p.m.

Session 7: Servant of God

Fr. Martin Maria de Porres Ward

Tuesday, Oct. 27, Church of the Resurrection, Cincinnati, 6:30 p.m.

Click here for current information about the series and upcoming events.