Thea Bowman: A Story of Triumph

11/12/2025

Thanks to Relevant Radio, and Practicing Catholic show hosted by Father Tom Margevičius and Leah Heselton, S. Thea Bowman's story reached many listeners recently. She is on the path to sainthood now, but her path began a long time ago when she was very young and growing up in Canton, MS. Podcast is available for free on Spotify or Apple podcasts:

Listen to this episode from Practicing Catholic Show on Spotify. In this episode, Bishop Andrew Cozzens shares the remarkable story of Sister Annella Zervas, whose humility, devotion, and unwavering faith are guiding her cause for canonization. Then, Mary Verrill reflects on the joyful, courageous l...

10/04/2025

This site focuses on S. Thea's life, her biography, and current events dedicated to her cause for sainthood. Her legacy continues! Here is a wonderful chance to explore her life and times, sponsored by the Diocese of Jackson, MS:

Africatown, located just north of Mobile, was founded by a group of West Africans who were brought to the United States aboard the Clotilda—the last known slave ship to arrive in the country in 1860, more than 50 years after the transatlantic slave trade was outlawed. These men and women, includin...

09/16/2025

The Mississippi Book Festival on Sept. 13 is now "one for the books" -- it was marvelous! Representing my biography about Dr. Thea Bowman, FSPA, located only 2 blocks from where her lovely statue resides in Jackson, was a profound and fun experience! Meeting the woman who hired her for the Diocese of Jackson in 1978 was a cosmic chance encounter, too. I did not know that 8000 people could have so much positive energy on a hot, sunny 95 degree day, but we did! Met many teachers who were looking for new books for their classrooms. Lots of smiles and joy, all day long.

08/18/2025

Please visit us at the Mississippi Book Festival on September 13, 2025 in Jackson. Look for the Authors Alley tent. Excited to travel to the heart of the Diocese that nominated Thea's path to sainthood and from where she last taught and worked to spread joy, faith, and understanding between all people. It will be humbling to be among so many awesome authors, in a state KNOWN for great authors (think Wm. Faulkner, Eudora Welty, and more!):

The Capitol’s stately rooms and nearby Galloway Church turn into venues for distinguished panelists, the streets in-between transform into a bustling marketplace for booksellers, and the grounds and Capitol Rotunda become a hub of lively exchange. FREE AND OPEN TO ALL, the festival brings the writ...

08/18/2025

Thea's biography in the book Thea Bowman: A Story of Triumph was sent to Pope Leo IV as a gift. He sent this very kind letter of appreciation. Pope Frances had done the same, but no picture at the time.

06/25/2025

It's been a dynamic summer for Sister Thea Bowman Scholars, sponsored by the Sister Thea Bowman Black Catholic Education Foundation. Please note the window in this story's background was used as the cover image for the book/ebook entitled Thea Bowman: A Story of Triumph, with permission of Saint Benedict the African Parish, Chicago, IL. Read about the group here:

This week, all of the current Scholars will gather in Chicago for the Sister Thea Bowman Foundation Summer Symposium and Spiritual Enrichment Program. Hosted at DePaul University, one of our […]

06/11/2025

Are you attending the American Library Association (ALA) Annual convention in Philadelphia this summer? Please find Thea's story in Booth 1547, staffed by friendly members of the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA). Get a book preview in the June 2025 issue of the Library Journal, too!

03/13/2025

To commemorate S. Thea Bowman's legacy and path to sainthood, The Catholic University of America is sponsoring a conference in her honor. Her contributions to the Church at large and to the Washington DC area will be celebrated, along with great music of course! The conference coincides with the 35th anniversary of Thea's homegoing. Thea graduated from The Catholic University in 1972:

Located in Washington, D.C., The Catholic University of America is the national university of the Catholic Church, founded by the U.S. bishops and the pope, faithful to the teachings of Jesus Christ as handed on by the Church. Dedicated to advancing the dialogue between faith and reason, Catholic Un...

12/22/2024

Why write a biography about Dr. Thea Bowman, FSPA? This Youtube.com video will explain: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xugzo1Csv4U Please give it a thumbs up so we know you have visited.

When Mary Verrill first met Thea Bowman during a literature class that Bowman taught at Viterbo University, the relationship changed her life forever. And sh...

12/21/2024

Today, Dec. 21, a statue of Thea Bowman will be unveiled in Jackson, MS, same statue as previously reported on this webpage. Would have loved to be there and for the reception that followed. Am sure Thea would humbly and fully enjoy this tribute to her teaching and life stories, along with the celebration that followed.

10/24/2024