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Thea Bowman's Influence Continues with Publication of New Book

LA CROSSE, Wis., April 8, 1997 -- Although she died seven years ago, the influence of Sister Thea Bowman, a member of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration (FSPA) in La Crosse, Wis., continues with the release of "Leaning On the Lord."

The book, published this year by Cincinnati-based St. Anthony Messenger Press, leads readers through a seven-day spiritual retreat with Bowman and Father Bede Abram, O.F.M. Conv. (Order of Friars Conventual) — both of whom are African-Americans.

As a retreat director for the series, Thea Bowman joins the ranks of numerous great saints and holy persons from history and today, including St. Ignatius, St. Dominic, St. Jane de Chantal, St. Francis de Sales, Thomas Merton and Jessica Powers. Authors in the series weave the mentors' words with seven days of prayer and contemplation.

Bowman and Abram were pioneers in melding their African-American culture and heritagewith Catholic spirituality. The songs and stories contained in "Leaning On the Lord" tell how African-American men and women, most of whom were slaves, forged an identity and a spirituality out of the Bible and their own African cultural forms.

The granddaughter of slaves, Bowman was born in Mississippi in 1937 and joined FSPA in 1952, becoming the first African-American sister in the community. A teacher, poet, singer and dancer, Bowman's work in promoting intercultural awareness garnered national attention and recognition prior to her death in 1990.

That recognition continues today with the Sister Thea Bowman Black Catholic Educational Foundation, the Sister Thea Bowman House to provide child care for at-risk children, numerous schools, halls and programs in her name, and art, videos and books, such as "Leaning On the Lord."

The Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration is a vital, changing organization of more than 500 women engaged in numerous worldwide ministries. While St. Rose Convent in La Crosse, Wis., functions as the administrative and spiritual heart of the organization, FSPA members have been serving their neighbors both at home and abroad for nearly 150 years. FSPA is committed to cultivating spirituality in the world and bringing new hope and meaning to the materially and spiritually poor.

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