How Sister Thea Bowman Can Inspire Us

When Sister Thea Bowman, a Black sister, addressed the United States Catholic bishops in 1989, she began by singing several lines from an African-American spiritual: “Sometimes I feel like a motherless child/A long way from home.”

She told the bishops that, as a Black woman and a Catholic, she brought her whole history, her traditions, her culture, her African-American experience, her whole being as a gift to the church. Her spirituality was “contemplative and biblical and holistic,” a spirituality . . . “that steps out in faith, that leans on the Lord, a spirituality that is communal.” Although she must have felt like her vision and contribution were not valued by the Church, she gave her gifts generously and wholeheartedly.

The bishops listened and were charmed by her enthusiasm. At the end, she had them singing and swaying with African-American music. It must have been quite a sight to see these bishops, with their croziers and crimson-trimmed robes, clapping and singing along with her. I’m sure they never experienced anything like it before.

Black Americans have a special gift to give the Church, but Catholic religious leaders have not always welcomed or understood it. Most white Catholics are not comfortable with African-American music, and the clapping and dancing that goes with it. White Catholics are usually silent and unmoving in our worship. We could use more of the Black enthusiasm and spontaneity.

Unfortunately, Sister Thea died in 1990 of cancer. Her legacy was not fully realized or accepted. But, she is one of several Black Catholics being considered for sainthood in the near future. Maybe her influence will spread when she is eventually canonized.