I woke to learn the Diocese of Jackson has completed the proceedings and advanced its cause for canonization for Sister Thea Bowman, FSPA. My trip to Mississippi took me to Holy Child of Jesus in Canton, Sister Thea’s home parish, and nearby Sacred Heart in Camden.
Sister Thea remains a significant presence at both Holy Child of Jesus and the nearby Sacred Heart, the two historically black churches in Madison County.
During my trip, I was also blessed to visit with Sister Dorothy Ann Kundinger, another Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, who served alongside Sister Thea during the final years of the Servant of God’s life. Sister Dorothy Ann, who has since passed away, shared with me her reflections on Sister Thea’s incredible gifts, which inspired Sister Dorothy Ann to leave teaching and become a caregiver for those facing their final days.
It was an incredible experience. And I’m so excited to hear the news of her canonization cause moving forward, which seems particularly fitting news this month.
The first two photos are from Holy Child of Jesus, the second from Sacred Heart. And the last is a gift from Sister Dorothy Ann, a photo of Sister Thea and her parents Mary Esther, who followed Sister Thea’s lead and converted to Catholicism.
52 Masses 