Where is it located on CUA’s campus?  Thea Bowman Drive (roadway on the north side of the Law School that runs to the Pryzbyla Center along the front of the new Dining Commons.

Teddy Reeves, M.Div., Ph.D., curator of religion and co-interim head of the Center for the Study of African American Religious Life for the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) in Washington, DC is delighted to have obtained one of Sister Thea’s most popular gowns.  Reeves contacted Redemptorist Father Maurice J. Nutt two years ago inquiring if he had an African gown owned by Sr. Thea.  At the time Father Nutt did not have one of Sister Thea’s gowns.  As fate would have it, months later, Father Nutt was given a very popular gown worn by Sr. Thea’s from Boston College professor emerita, Dr. M. Shawn Copeland.   With Dr. Copeland’s permission, Father Nutt gifted the gown to the NMAAHC as a way of promoting Sister Thea’s life and holiness to a greater audience.  Father Nutt noted, “I think that Sister Thea would love being a part of the first national museum honoring the history, culture, and legacy of African Americans.  In my estimation, Sister Thea Bowman is African American history and culture!”

The NMAAHC was also given permission by the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration to use pictures of Sister Thea for the future exhibit.  The museum is seeking to collect other items and artifacts of Sr. Thea to make for a more robust exhibition.  There is no date available on when the exhibit will debut.  

Thea Bowman's parents were happy when she started 6th grade at Holy Child Jesus School in Canton, Mississippi.

At age 15, Thea asked her parents if she could join the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration (FSPA) and finish high school 1,000 miles away. They said no!

So how did Thea join the FSPA and do well in high school and college? How was she able to get through a serious illness as a young Black person far from home? How did she overcome racial bias, share African American spirituals and heritage, and speak out for love and healing for all people?

Thea's life of self-determination and courage answers those questions, reflecting the historic times she lived in. Like Thea, this book can inspire young readers to set high goals, triumph over obstacles, and share their talents with the world.

Thea Bowman: A Story of Triumph fills a gap in scholarship about Thea’s life in a chapter format designed for young adult (YA) readers. Fits reading Lexile range 810L – 1400L for grades 6-12., 88 pages, $18.99.

There are no African American Saints, but that could soon change. It's time to hear their stories.

We have received inquiries of those persons who are interested in being connected with a local Sister Thea Torchbearer Guild.  Due the pandemic we are not functioning as of yet.  We are currently establishing the by-laws for the Guild and have them approved by Bishop Kopacz, Bishop of the Diocese of Jackson.  It is our intention to begin to establish them before the end of summer.  Thank you for your patience.