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TheaThea NewsNews
VVolumeOLUME 65 N NumberUMBER 109 MARCHarch 20072006
“Listen!“When Hear we as us! Fifth School Named for Sister Thea CatholicWhile the students, world A Joyful Noise by Maryby Lisa Queen Mladinich Donnelly is fullparents, of hate, strife, vengeance, isaifteen-year-old Robinson had a Ricardo problem. Phipps The graphic was designer had been providing hand pup- faculty, staff, pet programs for her Mississippi parish for about three years, using Bible-based we sing songs making a trip from Natchez, Miss., to administrators, scriptsJackson, she had with purchased his family, on the for Internet. a They had served her and her parish of love, laughter, well, and she’d never actually had to write a script from scratch. But this time was approach Diocesan Black Catholic Day of Fabvienen Taylor worship, wisdom, different.FReflection It atwas the just old over St. Josephtwo weeks High before School the on start of her parish’s summer program. The directorF was asking for something Lisa couldn’t find in any collection: five 15-minute puppet justice,believers and peace of Bolling Street. He had heard that Sister Thea shows based on the lives of four saints and one very exciting holy woman—a local heroine because Bowman would speak. She was often the topic other religious by the name of Sister Thea Bowman, FSPA. at his parish church of Holy Family in Natchez. traditionswe are free. with He Myhad free heard puppet and read ministry about is how hosted dynamic by the and much beloved web site, CatholicMom.com, Though our appreciation completeinspirational with shea link was to in my the home midst e-mail. of her Religious strug- educators write to me when they want to forefathers bent incorporategle with cancer, puppetry so into he wastheir excited programs about and hisneed Inset:a little Father guidance. Ricardo Usually Phipps. I canAbove, suggest Father a and reverence, script from among my existing shows, and the person behind the query is satisfied. But when to the heat first opportunity to see and hear her. Phipps shows plans for the new school to be I first heard from Lisa, I didn’t have any scripts dealingnamed with Sister lives Thea of Bowmanthe saints, Catholic and I School. hadn’t we realizeof the sun, their At that point in Ric Phipps life, he had not even heard of Sister Thea. faiththe strike and had much exposure to African-American nuns. He was excited about meeting any African-AmericanI said a little prayer religious, and hit men the Internet.or women, My because research he revealed had begun a remarkable to think personabout thiswhom as faithfulnessof the lash, . . . I liked immediately. An African-American nun raised in the deep South, Sister Thea became a potential way of life. the chain of slavery, a highly educated, accomplished teacher, speaker, and singer who helped As we work with When Thea spoke, she interspersed her message with song. It was his first encounter we are free. bring black culture into mainstream Catholic worship. them for peace with Thea. He wasn’t able to meet her personally, but seeing and hearing her for the first No man can timeI wantedleft an indelibleto write theimpression. script but He I hadwas afirst problem. struck Myby herstyle appearance; of writ- she spoke from ing puppet scripts for children can be summed up thusly: take a simple andenslave justice, us. a wheelchair, a blanket across her lap. Her head was exposed, bald from chemotherapy. concept and whack it repeatedly with a large banana. But how, I worried, The now 30-year-old Father Ricardo Phipps looks back on that day, one forever etched as we cooperate could I take the life of a beautiful, holy nun—the granddaughter of a in his memory. “She was luminous and the only place from which the light could have We withare too them strong, slave who spent her life teaching racial pride and tolerance—and turn it possibly come was from the Spirit of God. She confessed very honestly that she was not too unafraid. into slapstick without treating Sister Thea and her life with disrespect? I in feeding didn’thaving want a good to get day bogged physically, down butin politics,otherwise and she I didn’t was okay.want to She lose knew my she had a mission America needs the hungry, sensethat wasof humor. bigger than her sickness, and yet, part of her ministry was tied to it. It was a large our strength, part of what was so inspirational to me that she knew so well how to draw from the But what does a middle-aged white woman from the suburbs of clothing the strength of Jesus, the solid rock, to witness to others as she was called that day. I can’t our voices, Long Island know about black naked,to drown teaching out culture?remember What exactly if it what came she off said—I as Saintremember Prayer how Cards she — said Series it. She of was5 on fire!” Today, Father Phipps, current pastor ofMary St. Magdalene, Mary’s and Thea Christ Bowman, the King Catholic parish- theits ignorant, sorrows, preachy, or worse, condescending? Peter, Stephen, and Paul Thees in show Jackson, would has be beenperformed facing for his own mission. With financial difficulties because of ris- the clatter (Prayer cards available from Harcourt.) empowering severaling costs racially to run diverse the schools, groups such of as increased health premiums and salaries for faculty of war.... and staff, he needed to make a decision about the schools’ futures. Not wanting to close the oppressed, children ranging from preschool Listen! Hear us!” toeither the fourthwas a challenge grade, and that I gave didn’t birth to inspiration. With the approval of Bishop Joseph we truly share wantLatino, to oflose the their Jackson interest Diocese, either. Father Phipps decided to combine both schools under a —From Sister Thea Bowman: theShooting Good Star, page News 44, Thisnew sensitivename. The and new terribly school impor will -be called Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School, the fifth as excerpted from an album, tantschool material to be hadnamed to for be Thea. funny. I ofThe the Voice Kingdom.”of Negro America, prayed a little harder and went which was “dedicated to the “I think she is the ideal patroness for this new school. She embodies exactly what we back over the details, trying to find promotion—From Sister of Theabrotherhood Bowman: are trying to impart to the students by their experience of Catholic education, a love for Shootingand universal Star, pagepeace.” 95. a way in. “Fifth School Named for Sister Thea” continued on page 7 “A Joyful Noise” continued on page 7 From the TBL Coordinator March 1, 2007
Dear Friends of Thea, In La Crosse. Good-bye and thank you, Beth Erickson, for five years service as editor of Thea News. We will miss you. We wish you and husband Kevin well as you take on additional parenting responsibilities of a new baby daughter Josie Beth born July 20. We have enjoyed working with you and are grateful for the creative, professional way
Photo: Jolyce Greteman, FSPA you have helped to hand on Thea’s legacy. Charlene Smith, FSPA Hello and welcome to Mary Pat Hill, OSM, who is our Coordinator new editor. (See bio on page 7.) We are happy that you are with Thea Bowman Legacy us, Mary Pat. o 912 Market Street t o h
In Pittsburgh. On May 17, 2006, the 10th annual P La Crosse, WI 54601-8800 d e t
fundraiser dinner sponsored by the Thea Bowman Black Beth and Kevin Erickson u Tel: 608.791.5618 b i r t n
Fax: 608.784.7390 Catholic Education Foundation took place in the club with Benjamin and Josie Beth. o
C [email protected] lounge at Heinz Stadium courtesy of Pittsburgh Steelers’ www.fspa.org owner Dan Rooney. The annual Thea Bowman Foundation award was presented to Mr. Rooney for outstanding support of Catholic education. Assisted by Pittsburgh Friends of Thea, Mary Lou Jennings, foundation director, coordinated the successful event. Popular Super Bowl Champion Steeler strong safety Troy Polamalu co-chaired the occasion. Pittsburgh Bishop Donald Wuerl, having just been named Archbishop of Washington, DC, led the invocation. Rooney met Sister Thea in La Crosse, Wisconsin, in 1985 when both of them received Viterbo College’s (now University) prestigious John XXIII award. They became friends. When Thea’s bones were ravaged by tumors and she could no longer walk, Rooney gave her a wheelchair that she
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Duquesne University, Seton Hall P Sister Charlenefootball starSmith and and co-chair Troy Polamalu,o University, St. Francis University, and Dan Rooney (l) and Dr. John Murray, Thea Bowman Foundation Fundraiser.the College of St. Mary’s in Omaha. Thea Bowman Foundation president. The 2007 dinner is scheduled for April 19. Same venue, again courtesy of Dan Rooney. Join us. In Canton. Congratulations to Holy Child Jesus School in Mississippi on its 60th anniversary! Alumni, faculty, and parents gathered Thanksgiving weekend for a picnic in the schoolyard, tour of the school, banquet, dance, liturgy, and continental breakfast to mark the occasion. The Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity and the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration were saluted for their leadership and generosity to the mission.
V o l u m e 6 N u m b e r 1 0 M a r c h 2 0 0 7 T h e a N e w s Thea Comes Alive through Artistry
by Father Frank Berna, OFM, Ph.D. in her story, Brother McGrath painted Thea’s life in nine scenes. They portray the excitement, color, and Father Frank hrough the artistry of Brother Michael Berna McGrath, Sister Thea Bowman came alive in imagination that characterize his artistic style. Through Father Berna is a the chapel of La Salle University in Philadelphia, his presentation, participants realized that these same characteristics reflected Thea’s life. Franciscan from the Pennsylvania. The June 28, 2006, evening program Assumption BVM served as part of a course and as a public forum. Each of McGrath’s paintings has a title of a Province, Franklin, “Catholic in the USA” was the theme of this year’s Gospel spiritual. Ms. Valerie Lee-Jeter, director of Wisconsin. A native of Philadelphia, special course in the Graduate Theology and Ministry worship at St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Philadelphia, he received his BA Program at La Salle. Students considered Catholic led the audience in singing the spiritual that served as the title of each print. from Marquette history and pondered the church’s future. The four University, MA and evening presentations focused on some of the “giants” With the painting projected onto the chapel wall, MDiv. from Aquinas of the twentieth century—Dorothy Day, César Chávez, Brother McGrath told the story of his first encounter Institute, and and Thomas Merton. Thea Bowman’s story, the “fourth with Sister Thea through an article in St. Anthony Ph.D. in Systematic giant” as presented by Brother Messenger. While he never met this Theology from Michael, gave each participant Franciscan sister face to face, he came Fordham University. the opportunity to believe that, in to know her through her words, sisters, Ordained in 1980, he has taught high truly being faithful to one’s own and friends. He knows her story so school at Archbishop blessings and talents, God will be well that he told the segment related Ryan (Philadelphia), able to work great things in the to each painting from memory. been a faculty member present moment. With over seventy participants, and department chair Entitled “This Little Light,” Thea’s story of courage and hope at St. Bonaventure University, and served the presentation is rightly described fell like seed into rich soil. Picture, in administration at as a unique worship service. story, and song engaged everyone Alvernia College. Finding something of himself = “This Little Light of Mine” by Brother Michael McGrath intellectually and emotionally. He is beginning his tenth year at La Salle University as director Fond Memories from Twins of the Graduate Theology and by Mary Pat Hill, OSM recollecting that, when she was in high school, she Ministry Program. iz and Margaret—the Hill Twins as they were and her former teacher met by chance, and “Sister known in school—remember their favorite knew me, even my name.” teacher, Sister Thea, with great fondness. Reading was and still is a favorite time for Liz, Sharing memories of their 6th grade teacher at who remembered how Sister Thea Blessed Sacrament School, La Crosse, Wisconsin, read. “Her voice and inflection took Margaret right back: “I can feel her. She had an mesmerized us. Something aura, a presence to you like no one else. It is hard to in her speech was put into words what drew you to her. She made you musical. The boys feel special.” settled down, too. Liz recalled, “In all my years in school, Sister You could hear a Thea was the only teacher who made a connection pin drop.” on a personal level. Her personality was kind and The Hill Twins generous. She was unusual. It was her person that agreed that they kept me drawn to her. She had a warmth and strength “loved going to school that emanated from her.” in sixth grade.” They feel Margaret greatly enjoyed music class. “She had very blessed to have been The a beautiful voice and laugh. She called us her ‘little taught by Sister Thea years before Hill Twins — ones,’ and I loved that. She seemed to take us under thousands of others were also deeply touched by her Liz (l) and Margaret. her wing.” Another special memory for Margaret was presence and gifts. =
T h e a N e w s V o l u m e 6 N u m b e r 1 0 M a r c h 2 0 0 7 bookmark Sister Thea Bowman Puppet Show
by Lisa Mladinich Susie Nope. Not even a HE. But Billy But that must have made This puppet show, second she was considered tall. her Grandpa feel just in a series of 5 shows Billy Oh, man. Why can’t you TERRIBLE. (see page 1), follows tell me about some BIG Susie It made a lot of people feel the one on St. Mary GUYS? terrible. But Thea’s father Magdalene. Susie Because I think you still became a doctor and her could use some work on mother became a teacher. appreciating the women Billy (flying Billy Wow. They started out with of our Catholic history, around again) big problems and ended up and I’ve got a great one, Take that doing very well. and I’m not changing my EVIL! I am mind. If you want to travel Susie Yes. They must have been a follower through time you’ve got to people of great faith and of Jesus go where I SAY! strong character. Christ! I am the great, Billy Okay. Who is she? Billy Dude. (nodding his agreement) the fast, the BRAVE Susie Sister Thea Bowman. Susie Well, because of slavery, Saint Marvin Magdalene!!!! Billy Sister? things were hard for black families in this country. It Susie Um, excuse me, Billy? Susie Yes, she was a religious set them back, you might Billy Oh. I didn’t see you there. nun, a sister. say. Er… how long have you Billy Why isn’t she a saint? been standing there listen- Billy They needed a superhero ing – er, watching me? Susie Somebody’s working on to fly in and bop those bad that. She probably will be. I Susie Long enough, MARVIN guys…those people-buyers think they’re already throw- and sellers… right in the… Magdalene! ing a big party for her in (catches a look from Susie, Billy Well, you don’t expect me heaven. remembers) er… I mean, to pretend to be a GIRL, Lisa Robinson Billy No way. they needed a superhero to do you? Lisa Robinson, who lives Susie Way. follow Jesus’ way of love! Susie I guess not. Marvin in Tupelo, Mississippi, Billy So, who was she? Susie Now you’re talking, brother is a graphic designer, Magdalene. It has a ring to Susie Maybe I’d better start at Super-dude! web designer, and it. Okay. Resume superhero the beginning. Sister Thea an art teacher in the behavior. Billy Righteous! So this little girl, was born right here in summer months. Her Billy I can’t NOW. this girl named Thea… did Mississippi almost seventy web site is
V o l u m e 6 N u m b e r 1 0 M a r c h 2 0 0 7 T h e a N e w s Sister Thea Bowman Puppet Show
Billy I sure do! She sounds like a ask you: do you have to and playing with love in ton of fun! Let’s go! be WHITE to shine with your heart. Bring the Good Susie Okay. Take my hand, Jesus’ light? News to all. brother Marvin. Kid 1 No way! Kid 2 But Sister, what if they’ve Billy Hey, cut that out. Sr. Thea You’re right! You don’t already heard the Good News? Susie (laughs) Okay. Come on, have to be white to shine Billy. Sister Thea, we’d like with Jesus’ light. It is all Sr. Thea Tell it to them again! Do to hear… the words you right to shine with that light you know anybody who spoke to cast out fear!!!!! if you are black or red, has heard too much good brown, yellow or white! news? [actual quote] And (They fly backwards and disappear—Sister if you teach one person, Thea appears and speaks to the children in Kid 2 Amen, Sister Thea! they will teach another and the audience—it might help to have some Sr. Thea Now does that light have another. Repeat after me: back-up characters repeating her statements to be a huge shining light? EACH ONE TEACH Gospel-style, chanting hallelujahs and sing- Does your light have to be ONE! [actual quote] ing with her. Here is a suggested rhyme-chant very, very, very bright? Wonderful. Louder! EACH conversation with some puppet characters and Kid 1 Yes! Like a supernova!!! ONE TEACH ONE! Lisa with the children in your audience…) Kid 2 Or a volcano or a humon- Very nice! We must spread Mladinich Sr. Thea (with great joy and humor) gous light bulb! the news to ALL people Hello out there! My name and rejoice for it is our Lisa Mladinich Sr. Thea Not so, little children, not is Sister Thea. And I am greatest gift. is a Catholic here to speak to you about so! But I see that YOU wife and mother, Kid 2 Then if my friends and I letting your light shine to both have a glow! Your writer, and work together, each with the GLORY of God!!! light can be small, not big religious education our little light…. Glory hallelujah! Can any- at all. You can shine with a teacher living in one tell me who the light is flicker, you can shine with Sr. Thea You’ve got it, child of Huntington, New that shines inside each one a glow, but shine you must! Jesus! You’d all be burning York, with her of us? It’s the only way to go! bright! husband and seven- Kid 1 Superman? Kid 1 But Sister Thea, HOW do Kid 1 Sister, what colors can year-old daughter. we shine? shine again? I can’t remem- Her motto is: “If Sr. Thea No, little one. It is not ber. Was it purple and blue teaching the faith superman. Any other Sr. Thea You shine when you are and orange, too? isn’t thrilling, it guesses? (Take guesses from kind, you shine when you isn’t truthful!” She the audience until someone are good, you shine when Sr. Thea Listen up, my children, I you do the things you know will teach a game to you. is currently at work on her first novel, that you should. You are Take the fingers of one pleasing to God when you a Catholic murder hand, hold them up spread mystery romance. sing and when you pray, out and strong… Now so let’s all be candles lit up learn the people colors and with love today!!!! we all will sing along! Kid 2 Sister? Is my light shining (Demonstrate the five fingers and count them when I put my toys away? off as “red, brown, yellow, white, black.” Sr. Thea Yes, child, that’s so right It might be funny to have an actual human after you play. hand rise up next to Thea for her to count Kid 1 Is my light shining brightly on. Have the children count off with you when I listen to a sad until they have the order, and then sing this friend? song to the tune of “Glory, glory hallelu- jah!”) Sing: Contributed Photo: Tupelo, Mississippi Production Sr. Thea Yes, my precious baby, so guesses Jesus.) Yes! You have that a broken heart can Red, brown, yellow, got it right! You have got mend. Share the Good white and black, it right! It is JESUS. Jesus News of Jesus Christ by Are the colors of our people, is the LIGHT! Now let me listening, praying, working, Everyone is made from God’s love,
“Sister Thea Bowman Puppet Show” continued on page 6
T h e a N e w s V o l u m e 6 N u m b e r 1 0 M a r c h 2 0 0 7 “Sister Thea Bowman Puppet Show” continued from page 5
His truth is marching on! Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine Sing with me! Yes, Jesus loves Red, brown, yellow, white, and black, [arms still open, wave them back and forth] me! Yes, Jesus loves me! Each one is so good and lovely, Won’t let anyone (blow) it out Yes, Jesus loves me! The Make God smile [mime blowing and shaking head “No”] Bible tells me so! with your bright color. I’m gonna let it shine Now go out, children, and His truth is marching on! [arms opening up and out in an arc] make a joyful noise unto the Glory, glory hallelujah! Won’t let anyone (blow) it out LORD!!!! Glory, glory hallelujah! [mime blowing and shaking head “No”] (She and the others fade back and All the colors of our people are I’m gonna let it shine Susie and Billy reappear.) made in the image of God! [arms opening up and out in an arc] Billy Wow! Sister Thea is a great Kid 2 Sister, what color are you? Won’t let anyone (blow) it out hero! And what a joyful NOSE [mime blowing and shaking head “No”] she had! Sr. Thea I am black, my child. I’m gonna let it shine Susie What? Kid 2 I like your dark skin. [arms opening up and out in an arc] Billy She said something about her Sr. Thea Thank you! I like being Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!! joyful nose. black. I like being myself, [arms still open, wave them back and forth] Susie No, Billy, she said make a joy- and I thank God for mak- ful NOISE unto the Lord. ing me my black self. [actual (note: do not say the word “blow”— Noise. She means singing and quote] I like your skin, too! actually make a blowing sound) shouting for joy. Kid 2 Thanks, Sister! But what if Sr. Thea Very nice, children! Praise Billy Oh. (pause) Well, I thought she someone tells me that I’m the God. had a joyful nose. wrong color and won’t play Kid 1 Sister Thea, why do you like to with me? Susie Oh good grief. sing so much? Sr. Thea You tell that person that Billy And her ears were pretty joy- Sr. Thea I sing because I’m happy! I THAT’s just bunk because ful, too. sing because I’m free! His eye almighty God does not make Susie (mildly disgusted) All right. I’ll is on the sparrow, and I know junk! [actual quote] see ya later. (more cheerfully) [sing this, if you He watches me! I gotta go share the Good Come, let’s sing another song. know the tune] News! (exits) Sister Thea loves to sing. Did Kid 1 And me? you know that Saint Augustine Billy (calling after her) And her eye- Sr. Thea Yes! He watches all of us! lids! Definitely joyful! (to the Tell us your Thea said that when you sing you pray TWICE? It’s true! Songs Now I want you to repeat after audience) Didn’t you think so? news: are a very special way of pray- me: [one line at a time; actual And what a smile. (sighs) She Thea News ing. Now let me teach you to quotes edited from her talks with made me happy to just be me, children] alive in God’s loving hands. 912 Market Street sing my favorite song: This Yeah, that Sister Thea is one La Crosse, WI Little Light of Mine. Do the “I am somebody. / I’m gestures with me, okay? great hero. (singing, dancing and 54601-8800 somebody special. / I’m exiting) He’s got the whole God’s child. / I can change This little light of mine world in His hands…. = or things. / I can make [index finger up like a candle] e-mail life better for myself, / [email protected] I’m gonna let it shine for my family, / for my [arms opening up and out in an arc] community, / for the This little light of mine church, / for the world. [index finger up like a candle] / I make life better I’m gonna let it shine when I say yes to God’s [arms opening up and out in an arc] will in my life. / And I want to say yes to God. This little light of mine / I want to say yes to [index finger up like a candle] life, / yes to hope, / yes I’m gonna let it shine to love, / yes to you, / [arms opening up and out in an arc] yes to eternity.” Contributed Photo: Tupelo, Mississippi Production
V o l u m e 6 N u m b e r 1 0 M a r c h 2 0 0 7 T h e a N e w s Thea Notes . . . Anniversary In Print The Thea Bowman House in Utica, New York, St. Anthony Messenger’s feature article “Holy is celebrating 20 years of “love, growth, and compas- People Walk the Talk” by Carol Ann Morrow (February sion.” A special anniversary dinner took place on 2007 issue) highlights holy persons that are included as November 16, 2006. models of faith in the U.S. Bishops’ 2006 United States Catholic Catechism for Adults. The inspiring modern trio Dedication On September 3, 2006, Christ Our Hope Catholic —Sister Thea Bowman, Bishop Fulton J. Sheen, and Church in Lithonia, Georgia, dedicated its hall to Dorothy Day (in Jim Effler’s beautiful painting; left col- Sister Thea Bowman. umn)—are featured in the Catechism. In the section on Mary Pat Hill, OSM the The Creed: The Faith Professed, Thea powerfully Atlanta’s Archbishop, Mary Pat Hill Most Rev. Wilton opens Chapter 8 on Jesus’ death and resurrection. is a member of the Gregory, led the cel- Bruce Nieli, Paulist priest, in “Uniting America Servants of Mary of ebration. Spiritually” in America (April 24-May 1, 2006), writes Ladysmith, Wisconsin. She has been an The naming of about the legacy of Isaac Thomas Hecker, the founder of the Paulists. Describing contemporary examples of elementary grade school the hall was proposed teacher and a staff by parishioner Etta U.S. Catholics “in the Hecker camp,” Nieli raises up Thea as “a veritable icon of the spirit of jubilee.” member of social Herriot, who believes justice organizations. that “Sister Thea lived Stained-Glass Window Currently, her free- her life as if a light Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in San lance work includes in darkness. She was Antonio, Texas, has a beautiful stained-glass window computer training and Painting by Jim Effler an inspiration for so with three modern church leaders: Archbishop James assistance, social justice many people, not the least of all, for me.” Etta shared Lyke, OFM, Sister Thea, and Father Clarence Rivers. projects, and the Hill these reasons with Kysa Daniels, a journalist who wrote Their spirits are reflected with the major heading on Connections web site about the dedication. the window: “We’ve come this far by faith.” =
T h e a N e w s V o l u m e 6 N u m b e r 1 0 M a r c h 2 0 0 7 I8828fspa.qxp 2/16/2006 12:53 PM Page 1
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OLUME UMBER ARCH Regina Dick, FSP © Daughters of St. Paul St. of Daughters © FSP Dick, Regina V 5 N 9 M 2006 Art Thea’s. $9.95. Viterbo University Bookstore. Sister Thea Bowman Series by Michael 800.482.8398. O’Neill McGrath. Five paintings inspired “When we as by the life of Thea. Sweet, Sweet Spirit: Prayer Services Fifth School Namedfrom for theSister Black CatholicThea Church by Catholic students, Pictured at right: “Every Joseph A. Brown, SJ, with Time I Feel the Spirit” by Mary Queen Donnelly parents, poster (20”x26”). Bee Still Fernand Cheri, III, OFM. ifteen-year-old Ricardo Phipps wasA prayer service in honor faculty, staff, Studio; [email protected]; 215.836.0343.making a trip from Natchez, Miss., toof Thea is included. St. administrators, Jackson, with his family, for aAnthony Messenger Press; $9.95; search.americancath-
Diocesan Books Black Catholic Day of Fabvienen Taylor approach olic.org; 800.488.0488. FReflectionFBlessed at the Among old St. All Joseph Women: High WomenSchool on believers of Bolling Street. HeSaints, had heard Prophets, that Sister and Thea Icon Bowman would speak.Witnesses She was for often Our the Time topic other religious by Robert Ellsberg. Thea is Thea, Joyous Troubadour of God. Icon at his parish church of Holy Family in Natchez.created by Maryam Gossling, FSPA. Greeting traditions with included with the section: He had heard and“Blessed read about Are how the dynamic Meek.” and cards for $1 per card; 11"x14" appreciation inspirational she wasCrossroad in the midst Publishing of her Com- strug- posters, $15; 4"x5" plaques, Inset: Father Ricardo$12.50; Phipps. 11"x14" Above, plaques, Father and reverence, gle with cancer, sopany; he $19.95; was excited store.cpcbooks. about his first opportunity tocom; see 800-707-0670. and hear her. Phipps shows plans$25. for Add the $3.50 new school for toship be- named Sister Theaping Bowman and handling Catholic for School. orders we realize their At that point in Ric Phipps life, he had not Great Women of Faith: up to $15—$4.50 for larger had much exposure to African-American nuns. He was excited about meeting any Theafaith Newsand Inspiration for Action by orders. Send to Maryam African-American religious, men or women, because he had begun to think about this as faithfulnessis an online publicatio . . n. of Sue Stanton with illustrations Gossling, 2733 Lindale Avenue NE, Cedar the Thea Bowman Legacy a potentialby Charilie way of Craig. life. Thea is Rapids, IA 52402; e-mail gosslingmaryam@ AsOffice we and work is published with by Whenone ofThea the spoke,women she featured. interspersed her messagemcleodusa.net; with song. or It callwas 319.360.2559. his first encounter the Franciscan Sisters of withPaulist Thea. Press; He wasn’t $12.95; able paulist to meet- her personally, but seeing and hearing her for the first Perpetualthem for Adoration peace, timepress.com; left an indelible 800.218.1903. impression. He was first struck by her appearance;Videos she spoke from theand community justice, of which Almost Home: Living with Suffering and Thea was a member. a wheelchair, a blanket(A) Retreatacross her with lap. Her Thea head was exposed, bald from chemotherapy. The now 30-year-old Father Ricardo Phipps looksDyin backg. A on Gabriel that day, Award, one foreverWilbur etchedAward, as we cooperate Bowman and Bede Abram: and Silver Angel Award win- in his memory. “SheLeaning was luminous on the and Lor dthe by only place from which the light could have Theawith themNews ning video, it shares Thea’s own 912 Market Street possibly come wasJoseph from the A. Spirit Brown, of God. SJ. St. She wordsconfessed about very her honestlypersonal thatexpe she- was not La Crosse,in feeding WI 54601-8800 having a good dayAnthony physically, Messenger but otherwise Press; she riencewas okay. of living She with knew a terminalshe had a mission Tel: 608.791.5618 $9.95; search.americancatho- the hungry, that was bigger than her sickness, and yet, part ofillness. her ministry Liguori was Publications; tied to it. 30 It was a large Fax: 608.784.7390 part of what waslic.org; so inspirational 800.488.0488. to me that sheminutes; knew so $39.95; well how www.liguori. to draw from the www.fspa.orclothingg the org; 800.325.9521. strengthSaints of to Jesus, Lean theOn: solid Spiritual rock, Companions to witness to others as she was called that day. I can’t Executive editor: naked, teaching rememberfor Illness exactly and what Disabilit she said—Iy by remember how she said it. She was on fire!” Charlene Smith, FSPA Sr. Thea: Her Own Story. Made short- Today,Janice Father McCrane, Phipps, SSJ. current “Thea: pastor of St. Mary’s and Christ the King Catholic parish- [email protected] ly before her death, this the ignorant, Our Companion in Joy-Filled Managing editor: es in Jackson, has been facing his own mission. With financialvideo difficulties explores because Thea’sof ris- Maryempowering Pat Hill, OSM ing costsSuffering.” to run the St. schools, Anthony such as increased health premiumschildhood, and salaries religious for faculty call- [email protected] and Messengerstaff, he needed Press; to make $13.95; a decision about the schools’ futures.ing, and Not wanting aspirations to close for the oppressed, search.americancatholic.org; either was a challenge that gave birth to inspiration. With thehumanity. approval of Bishop It contains Joseph 800.488.0488. Limitedwe truly number share of printed Latino, of the Jackson Diocese, Father Phipps decided to combineinterviews both schools with Thea under and a copies available. Inquire: her friends. Oblate Media new name. The newSister school Thea will be called Bowman Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School, the fifth [email protected] Good News and Communications; 50 Shooting Star edited by school to be named for Thea. minutes; $19.99; www.videoswithvalues. of the Kingdom.” Celestine Cepress, FSPA, “I think she is the ideal patroness for this neworg; school. 800.233.4629. She embodies exactly what we and with a forward by Mike —From Sister Thea Bowman: are trying to impart to the students by their experience of Catholic education, a love for Shooting Star, page 95. Wallace, this book has selected writings“Fifth and School speeches Named of for Sister Thea” continued on page 7