Last year, the Church celebrated the election of the first American pope, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. We now pray with hope that Sister Thea’s cause for sainthood may continue to advance, opening the way for her to become the first Black American saint in the Catholic Church.
On Monday, February 9, the Diocese of Jackson will celebrate the Closing Ceremony for the Diocesan Phase of Sister Thea’s cause at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle in Jackson, Mississippi. Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz, a Foundation board member, will be joined by bishops and clergy from the Province of Mobile and will preside at a Mass of Thanksgiving, followed by the formal closing session of the Diocesan investigation into Sister Thea’s life and virtues.
According to the Diocese of Jackson and the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, immediately after the Mass, the official documents from the diocesan phase (including testimony, research, and findings about Sister Thea’s faith, courage, and joyful witness) will be formally sealed by the Postulator from Rome and the Diocesan Tribunal. These materials will then be sent to the Apostolic Nunciature in Washington, D.C., and eventually to the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints at the Vatican, where the Church’s discernment will continue
While this process can feel lengthy, celebratory moments like this demonstrate progress. For us at the Foundation, Sister Thea’s cause is not just something unfolding in Rome or Mississippi; it is alive in the lives of the Sister Thea Bowman Scholars! Each Scholar carries forward her legacy of faith, academic excellence, cultural pride, service, and joyful perseverance in their classrooms, communities, and future professions.
As the National Catholic Reporter noted, no Black American has been declared a Catholic Saint, making this journey both historic and deeply hopeful for the Church in the United States. Sister Thea continues to challenge and encourage us to fully embrace who God created us to be, and to bring our whole selves (culture, faith, voice, and joy) into the life of our Scholars.
If you are unable to attend the Mass in the Diocese of Jackson, please pray for Sr. Thea and our Scholars. May Sister Thea continue to intercede for our Scholars, their families, and all those striving to live lives of faith, justice, and love.
Interested in learning more about Sr. Thea? On February 9, the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration will host “Sr. Dr. Thea Bowman: Taking Courage Through Prayer, Study, and Action.” Professor Michael Howard will lead a prayer and reflection on Sister Thea’s life, with rare footage and small-group sharing. The event will be held in person at St. Rose Convent in La Crosse (5:45 p.m. CST) or online via Zoom. Note that RSVPs are required to attend. You can RSVP at 608-782-5610 or receptionists@fspa.org. You can register for the Zoom version here.