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MEMBERS HERE
SISTER THEA BOWMAN
Cause for Canonization
A cause for sainthood takes many years, a couple of miracles and lots of prayer to come to fruition. There are several groups of people involved in doing the work to discover if a person was a saint by the Church’s definition from researchers who maintain secrecy while they work to guild members who shout from the mountaintops so everyone will know about the cause. Here is a look at who is working on Sr. Thea’s cause.
Historical Commission
This commission is made up of at least three people who usually work in archives or historical research of some kind. The task of these experts is to search out and gather all the writings of the Servant of God, those not yet published, as well as each and every historical document, either handwritten or printed, which may relate to the cause in any way. These members may travel to the motherhouse for the Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration where Sister Thea lived. They will dig through the archives at the Diocese of Jackson as well as sites where Sr. Thea studied, taught and worked. The members of this commission must maintain secrecy until their role in the process is complete.
Theological Commission
The Theological Commission is a group of people who must examine the writings – both published and unpublished — of the Servant of God and verify that there is nothing contained in them contrary to Faith and good morals. This committee must have at least two members. In their opinions the commission members are also to describe the personality and spirituality of the Servant of God. They present written and in-person testimonies to the bishop in order for the cause to proceed. Members of this commission remain secret until their work is complete so they can work independently.
What Can I Do?
Anyone can support Sr. Thea’s cause. We need your prayers, your stories, your energy and your financial support to make it through this process. You can order or download a prayer card or donate using the menu above. To report any spiritual or physical favors granted through prayer in Sister Thea’s name, please write: Sister Thea Bowman Cause for Canonization, 237 E. Amite Street, Jackson, MS 39201 or mary.woodward@jacksondiocese.org.
PRAYER
Ever loving God, who by your infinite goodness inflamed the heart of your servant and religious, Sister Thea Bowman with an ardent love for you and the People of God; a love expressed through her indomitable spirit, deep and abiding faith, dedicated teaching, exuberant singing, and unwavering witnessing of the joy of the Gospel.
Her prophetic witness continues to inspire us to share the Good News with those whom we encounter; most especially the poor, oppressed, and marginalized. May Sister Thea’s life and legacy compel us to walk together, to pray together, and to remain together as missionary disciples ushering in the new evangelization for the Church we love.
Gracious God imbue us with the grace and perseverance that you gave your servant, Sister Thea. For in turbulent times of racial injustice, she sought equity, peace, and reconciliation. In times of intolerance and ignorance, she brought wisdom, awareness, unity, and charity. In times of pain, sickness, and suffering, she taught us how to live fully until called home to the land of promise. If it be your Will, O God, glorify our beloved Sister Thea, by granting the favor I now request through her intercession (mention your request), so that all may know of her goodness and holiness and may imitate her love for You and Your Church. We ask this through Your Son and our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT WWW.SISTERTHEABOWMAN.COM
