September, 2020 - Sr. Thea Bowman: A Bridge over Troubled Waters

Currently, there are some African-American holy people who are being considered for canonization in the Catholic Church. This is a formal process during which their lives are examined very closely.  

There are four major steps: (1) Usually, at least 5 years after the person's death, unless the Pope makes an exception, a request for canonization is made to the Bishop of the Diocese in which the person died. The request contains examples of the person's living a holy life, and lists reasons for considering canonization. The person is now named a “Servant of God.” Sr. Thea Bowman is one of the African-American holy people at this stage right now.

(2) During the second stage, the Bishop sends a formal report and request to Rome where nine theologians read the material and determine whether or not to go forward with the process by the study of the person’s writings and other aspects of his or her life to make sure the person was faithful to the teachings and practices of the Church. There is even one person called, a “devil’s advocate,” who is charged with asking questions which may reveal a reason the candidate is not qualified to be considered a saint. If the candidate is approved by the Congregation for the Causes of the Saints, he or she is declared “Venerable.”

(3) The third stage is beatification. If a person was a martyr, he or she may be beatified and called “Blessed.” Otherwise, a miracle must be attributed to the intercession of the candidate.  Once a person is named “Blessed,” he or she may be venerated or honored.

(4) The fourth stage is canonization. This requires a second miracle attributed to the intercession of the candidate. The Prefect of the Congregation then sends the request for canonization to the Pope who makes the final decision. When the person is canonized, he or she is officially declared a “Saint” and the Pope offers a special Mass in honor of the newly canonized "Saint."

The reason the Church chooses to formally canonize certain people is to provide spiritual  heroes and heroines for us to imitate in our own circumstances and times.

We all either personally know some saintly people, or at least have learned about about them. Rep. John Lewis of Georgia is a current example. After a life dedicated to family, the Civil Rights Movement, and more than three decades in the House of Representatives, he recently lost his battle with cancer. When announcing this death, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who knew him personally, gave him honor with the words: "Today, America mourns the loss of one of the greatest heroes of American history: Congressman John Lewis, the Conscience of the Congress."

While I taught and served as campus minister at Xavier University of Louisiana, the only historically Black Catholic University in the United States, I attended the Black Catholic Institute one summer. Sr. Thea  Bowman had helped to establish the Institute which provided classes on topics of interest and usefulness for Black people and others who worked among people of color.

Sr. Thea, who was a gifted, dynamic preacher, sometimes taught classes on preaching at Xavier. The summer I was there, one of the professors became ill and Sr. Thea was the substitute. I vividly recall one class. We had assembled in the chapel and were chatting among ourselves. I, and probably others, had not noticed that on one side of the chapel were seated black students and on the other were mostly white students. When Sr. Thea arrived, she looked out on the class and noticed the situation. Before she began the class, we had to get up and mix with one another This was typical of Sr. Thea. She always tried to bridge the gaps between peoples of different races.  

While I taught and served as campus minister at Xavier University of Louisiana, the only historically Black Catholic University in the United States, I attended the Black Catholic Institute one summer.  Sr. Thea  had helped to establish the Institute which provided classes on topics of interest and usefulness for black people and others who worked among people of color.

Sr. Thea, who was a gifted, dynamic preacher, sometimes taught classes on preaching at Xavier. The summer I was there, one of the professors became ill and Sr. Thea was the substitute. I vividly recall one class. 

 We had assembled in the chapel and were chatting among ourselves.  I and probably others had not noticed that on one side of the chapel were seated black students and on the other were white and brown students.  When Sr. Thea arrived, she looked out on the class and noticed the situation. Before she began the class, we had to get up and mix with one another. This was typical of Sr. Thea. She always tried to bridge the gaps between peoples of different races.  

In 1937, Sr. Thea was born, Bertha Bowman, in Yazoo City, Mississippi. Her grandfather had been born into slavery. Nevertheless, her father became a doctor and her mother a teacher.  Raised in a Methodist home, she attended a Catholic School run by the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration from La Crosse, Wisconsin. At nine years old, with her parents' permission, she converted to the Catholic faith and later join the Congregation of her teachers.

As the only Black member in her all white Community,  Sr. Thea shared the beauty of her own culture through the years. Also, in her educational ministries from elementary school to university level she inspired people with her deep spirituality which was evident from her inspirational talks and black sacred song. In 1987, Sr. Thea became instrumental in publishing a new Catholic hymnal Lead Me,Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal.

After sixteen years in education, Sr. Thea was invited by the Bishop of Jackson, Mississippi to become a consultant for intercultural awareness for his diocese. At this point, Sr. Thea was able to focus more on her mission to help people to appreciate their differences and maintain their cultural identities. With respect for her own traditions and those of others, Sr. Thea created a sense of fellowship among people of different races and religions.

When Sr. Thea was stricken with breast cancer, she continued to be an inspiration to others. As long as she could, she continued to give inspirational talks from a wheelchair, with a bare head and the assistance of a Sister friend. She had determined that she would live life fully until she died.

When bedridden, she counseled children whose parents were suffering with cancer that it was good to talk to their loved ones about what was going on. Sister was an inspiration at all times. When asked what she would like to be written on her gravestone, she simply said to put "I tried."

Shortly before she died, she spoke to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. The bishops, deeply touched by her talk, loudly applauded her. Led by Sr. Thea, they then stood linking arms and singing the spiritual: "We shall Overcome."

In an interview with Mike Wallace on a 60-minutes show, Sr. Thea said: "I think the difference between me and some people is that I'm content to do my little bit. Sometimes people think they have to do big things in order to make change. But if each one would light a candle we'd have a tremendous light."

Let us strive like Sr. Thea to be bridges between all peoples in the troubled waters of our time.

Comments:

Stephanie Morris, ASBS, Ph.D. Historian C.A.emerita

Sr. Thea Bowman said that she was willing to "do my little bit." Each of us can say that. Not all of us are famous or wealthy enough to be recognized as generous benefactors, but each of us can do our "little bit" to expand God's kingdom on earth. Mother Katharine prayed that she would "learn to know [Jesus] in the sanctifying prose of daily duties." Yes, even the mundane duties such as washing dishes or making a bed can be sanctifying if we offer our activities in a "Morning Offering," offering all we do to the the glory of God.

The Christophers used to say: "It is better to light one candle than to curse the darkness." We don't have to light the world but we can brighten up our little corner of it. We can do this by letting the light of God's love shine through our words and actions.

 

Pat Chiaffa, ASBS

Wow, Sr. Annette, you certainly gave us a bang for our buck with today’s blog! Thank you for outlining the steps involved in the Canonization process as well as giving us such touching insight into the life of Sr. Thea Bowman. It will be exciting to follow the progression of Sr. Bowman’s cause.

The “devil’s advocate” will be at a loss to find anything that would halt Sr. Thea’s proceeding through the “Servant of God” stage. I found it remarkable that she converted to Catholicism at only nine years of age. Indeed, she was a very special child, chosen and gifted with talents that God wanted her to share.

Sr. Bowman undoubtedly inspired countless individuals during her sixteen years as an educator. In her position of Consultant for Intercultural Awareness she was able to impact an even greater community. I admire how she emphasized appreciation of cultural differences and respect of cultural traditions. This positive approach surely contributed to the successful creation of fellowship between people of different races and religions.

Her determination to “Live until she died” is very uplifting. Reactions to diagnoses of terminal illness are unique to individuals. Many people chose to retreat from the world to concentrate on getting affairs in order, on resting for maximum comfort, on surrendering to the twilight of the final season.  Sr. Bowman’s choice to continue her life passion of addressing issues of social justice and inspiring others to follow the teachings of the church was a courageous response that certainly led many people to commit to living a more intentional life.

Additionally, the counsel she gave, while bedridden, to the children of parents suffering with cancer to have the dialogue that would bring closure to their family life was invaluable. She planted seeds of peace in the grieving hearts of those who followed her bedside advice.

It is easy to see how Sr. Thea inspired so many people. Her love of God and fellow man is so apparent. Her humility shines through in her comment, “I tried,” as the desired engraving on her gravestone.

I sincerely believe that we will one day celebrate the canonization of St. Thea Bowman, and that her life story will one day appear in the pages of Modern Day Saints. 

Healing the Leper - Feb. 11, 2018

The Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time  -  Year B

Reading I:
Leviticus 13:1-2, 44-46

Psalm:  32

Reading II:  1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1

Gospel:  Mark 1:40-45

When we think of the plight of the lepers,  we also think of heroes and heroines who imitated the Lord and reached out to these human beings who were so mercilessly abandoned and treated in the past. In particular, we remember Fr. Damien who gave himself to the care of these lepers, risking the fact that he could himself become a leper by contacting them. Indeed, he did become a leper and is now referred to as Fr. Damien, the leper.

Less known is the recently canonized St. Marianne Cope, a German-born American and a member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Syracuse, New York. She and her family were immigrants back in 1839. When her father became naturalized, as was the custom, the whole family would also become citizens.

Sr. Marianne began as a teacher and then principal in the newly established schools for German-speaking immigrants. Later, she helped found the first two Catholic hospitals in the area. Then, she was put in charge of St. Joseph Hospital, the first public hospital in Syracuse.

After being installed as Superior General of her congregation, St. Marianne received a plea from King Kalakaua of Hawaii for help to care for people with leprosy. Not only did she respond enthusiastically, but she also chose to join six other Sisters to manage Kaka’ako Branch Hospital on O’ahu which served as a receiving station for Hansen’s disease patients. The more severe cases were processed and shipped to the island of Molokai.

Not only did the Sisters care for the lepers themselves, but they also established homes for the homeless female children of lepers. The homes were on the same grounds as the hospital because the Sisters were the only ones willing to care for the children. Mr. Henry Baldwin, a prominent local businessman, gave money for building a school which was named after him.

While Fr. Damien was dying, Sr. Marianne cared for him, taking on some of his works. When Fr. Damien died, the government gave her charge of the homeless boys of the lepers. She enlisted the Brothers of the Sacred Heart to take over the care of the boys.

Unlike Fr. Damien, Sr. Marianne never contracted leprosy, rather she died of natural causes. However, she willingly gave herself fully to the care of these suffering children of God, risking her own life on their behalf.

When we look at Saints, we are touched by their heroic lives. However, what is even more important is the realization that we are observing just a small glimpse of what our God is like.  If this is but the servant, what must the Master be?!!!

  Reflection Question:   What do you see as the value in studying about
the Saints?

Spanish Translation of Reflection Above...

Sanando al leproso

Cuando pensamos en la difícil situación de los leprosos, también pensamos en héroes y heroínas que imitaron al Señor y se acercaron a estos seres humanos que fueron tan despiadadamente abandonados y tratados en el pasado. En particular, recordamos al padre. Damien, que se entregó al cuidado de estos leprosos, arriesgándose a que él mismo se convirtiera en leproso al contactarlos. De hecho, se convirtió en un leproso y ahora se lo conoce como el Padre. Damien, el leproso.
Menos conocida es la recientemente canonizada St. Marianne Cope, una estadounidense de origen alemán y miembro de las Hermanas de San Francisco de Siracusa, Nueva York. Ella y su familia eran inmigrantes en 1839. Cuando su padre se naturalizó, como era la costumbre, toda la familia también se convertiría en ciudadana.

La Hermana Marianne comenzó como maestra y luego directora en las
escuelas recientemente establecidas para inmigrantes de habla alemana.
Más tarde, ella ayudó a fundar los primeros dos hospitales católicos en el área. Luego, ella fue puesta a cargo del Hospital St. Joseph, el primer hospital público en Syracuse.

Luego de ser instalada como Superiora General de su congregación, St. Marianne recibió una súplica del Rey Kalakaua de Hawai para que la ayuden a cuidar a las personas con lepra. No solo respondió con entusiasmo, sino que también eligió unirse a otras seis Hermanas para administrar el Hospital de la Rama de Kaka'ako en O'ahu, que servía como estación receptora para pacientes con la enfermedad de Hansen. Los casos más severos fueron procesados y enviados
a la isla de Molokai.

Las Hermanas no solo cuidaron a los leprosos, sino que también establecieron hogares para las niñas sin hogar de los leprosos. Las casas estaban en los mismos terrenos que el hospital porque las Hermanas eran las únicas dispuestas a cuidar a los niños. El Sr. Henry Baldwin, un prominente empresario local, dio dinero para construir una escuela que lleva su nombre.

Mientras el padre Damien se estaba muriendo, la Hermana Marianne se preocupaba por él y se encargaba de algunas de sus obras. Cuando el padre Damien murió, el gobierno le dio el cargo de los niños sin hogar de los leprosos. Ella alistó a los Hermanos del Sagrado Corazón para hacerse cargo del cuidado de los niños.

A diferencia del Padre. Damien, Hna. Marianne nunca contrajo lepra, sino que murió por causas naturales. Sin embargo, voluntariamente se entregó por completo al cuidado de estos hijos sufridos de Dios, arriesgando su propia vida
en su beneficio.

Cuando miramos a los Santos, nos conmueve su vida heroica. Sin embargo, lo que es aún más importante es la comprensión de que estamos observando solo un pequeño vistazo de cómo es nuestro Dios. Si esto no es más que el servidor, ¿qué debe ser el Maestro ?!

  Pregunta de reflexión:   ¿Cuál ves como el valor de estudiar sobre
los Santos?

Parable of Two Sons - Oct. 1, 2017

The Twenty-Sixth Sunday of Ordinary
Time -  A

Reading I: 
Ezechiel 18:25

Psalm:  25

Reading II: 
Philippians:2:1-11

Gospel:
Matthew 21:28-32  

                                                    

A child might illustrate the parable of the two sons with the above stark simplicity!! Yet as adults, we know that things are so much more complicated.


I immediately think of Saints Peter and Paul when I read this parable. At the Last Supper, Peter refuses to let Jesus wash his feet, not really understanding the significance. However, when Jesus tells Peter that unless he allows Him to wash his feet, he will no longer be His disciple, Peter begs Jesus to wash his hands and his head also.

Later, Peter impetuosity tells Jesus that he is ready to die for him. Sadly, Jesus predicts that Peter will deny him. However, after his conversion and many years of preaching the risen Jesus, Peter has grown spiritually to a point that indeed he became willing to die for Jesus. He even requested being crucified upside down since he did not feel worthy to die as Jesus did.
  
St. Paul (originally referred to as Saul) in his younger years zealously persecuted the Christians. However, one day on his way to Damascus, he had a vision of the resurrected Jesus who said to him: “Saul, Saul, why thou persecutest me?” Saul responded: “Who art thou, Lord?” Then, Jesus revealed, “I am Jesus whom thou persecutest....”

After his conversion, Saul (then called Paul) just as zealously traveled the Mediterranean Sea area proclaiming that Jesus is the Son of God. He spent his time totally bringing the “Good News” to the Gentiles (non-Jews).  

Paul endured much persecution. He faced many hardships, shipwrecks, imprisonment, and he ultimately experienced martyrdom. It is believed that Paul was beheaded under the reign of Nero.

What is the message in the parable for us? I believe that God is super patient with us if we are
sincere like Sts. Peter and Paul. However, if we just give lip service, we will pay the price. Let us ask the Lord to help us to be truly honest with ourselves and learn to “Walk the Talk.”


 Reflection Question:   How can I help myself to be faithful to my commitments to the Lord and His people? 

Spanish Translation of Reflection Above...

Parábola de Dos Hijos

¡Un niño puede ilustrar la parábola de los dos hijos con la simplicidad de arriba! Sin embargo, como adultos, sabemos que las cosas son mucho más complicadas.

Pienso inmediatamente en los Santos Pedro y Pablo cuando leo esta parábola. En la Última Cena, Pedro se niega a dejar que Jesús se lave los pies, sin comprender realmente el significado. Sin embargo, cuando Jesús le dice a Pedro que si no le permite lavar sus pies, ya no será su discípulo, Pedro pide a Jesús que lave también sus manos y su cabeza.

Más tarde, Pedro impetuosidad le dice a Jesús que está dispuesto a morir por él. Tristemente, Jesús predice que Pedro le negará. Sin embargo, después de su conversión y de muchos años de predicar al Jesús resucitado, Pedro ha crecido espiritualmente hasta un punto en el que de hecho él estaba dispuesto a morir por Jesús. Incluso pidió ser crucificado boca abajo ya que no se sentía digno de morir como Jesús lo hizo.

  

San Pablo (originalmente llamado Saúl) en sus años más jóvenes perseguía celosamente a los cristianos. Sin embargo, un día de camino a Damasco, tuvo una visión del Jesús resucitado que le dijo: “Saúl, Saulo, ¿por qué me persigues?” Saulo respondió: “¿Quién eres tú, Señor?” Entonces Jesús “Yo soy Jesús a quien persigues ...”

Después de su conversión, Saúl (entonces llamado Pablo) viajó celosamente por la zona del Mar Mediterráneo proclamando que Jesús es el Hijo de Dios. Pasó su tiempo trayendo las “Buenas Nuevas” a los Gentiles (no judíos).

Pablo sufrió mucha persecución. Se enfrentó a muchas dificultades, naufragios, encarcelamientos, y finalmente experimentó el martirio. Se cree que Pablo fue decapitado bajo el reinado de Nerón.

¿Cuál es el mensaje en la parábola para nosotros? Creo que Dios es super paciente con nosotros si somos sincero como Sts. Pedro y Pablo. Sin embargo, si acabamos de dar un saludo, vamos a pagar el precio. Pidamos al Señor que nos ayude a ser verdaderamente honestos con nosotros mismos y aprendamos a “Caminar la Conversación”.

  Pregunta de reflexión:     ¿Cómo puedo ayudarme a ser fiel a mis compromisos con el Señor y Su pueblo?