The University of St. Francis (USF) announced plans for this year’s “Women in the Church” lecture series, including a closer look at Sr. Thea Bowman, FSPA, through the eyes and art of Br. Michael O’Neill McGrath, OSFS. The lecture will take place on Tuesday, October 3, at 7 p.m., in San Damiano Hall, which is on the third floor of the Motherhouse (520 Plainfield Road in Joliet). The lecture will be preceded by a special Franciscan Transitus Prayer at 6:30 p.m. This free lecture is open to the community. Please RSVP by Friday, September 29, at 815-740-3398 or by email at afinkle@stfrancis.edu. Walk-ins also are welcome.
Thea Bowman, FSPA, Servant of God, was a scholar, teacher, musician, liturgist, and Black Catholic religious Sister, who made major contributions to the ministry of the Catholic Church, especially toward African Americans. Gifted with a brilliant mind, beautiful voice, and a dynamic personality, Sister Thea shared the message of God’s love through a teaching career. Later she served as the consultant for intercultural awareness fighting evil, especially prejudice, suspicion, hatred, and things that drive people apart.
In 1984, Sr. Thea was diagnosed with breast cancer. She prayed “to live until I die.” 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 from her wheelchair, at Thea’s invitation, the bishops stood and sang with gusto “We Shall Overcome.” Sr. Thea lived a full life until her death in 1990.
Br. Michael O’Neill McGrath, OSFS – known as Br. Mickey – paints, writes, and tells stories. He has lived and worked in Camden, New Jersey, since 2009, where he has furthered his art education in the context of social justice and finding beauty in the margins. Visit bromickeymcgrath.com for more information about Br. Mickey and his Bee Still Studio.