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Events celebrate Sister Thea's life

The Viterbo University Concert Choir flanks the newly-revealed painting of Sister Thea Bowman.

On the fifteenth anniversary of Sister Thea Bowman’s “home-going” Mary of the Angels Chapel was filled with people paying tribute to her life, music and ministry. The March 30 event focused on remembrance, spirituals and the unveiling of a new portrait of Sister Thea.

The chapel celebration started with Joshua Fought the Battle of Jericho, performed by the Viterbo University Concert Choir under the leadership of Dan Johnson-Wilmot, a friend of Sister Thea’s. During the program, the choir also performed Wade in the Water and Ride on, King Jesus. A highlight of the event was the singing of This Little Light of Mine, one of Sister Thea’s favorite songs. As the choir began performing the song, the chapel audience members rose from their seats, clapping their hands to the music, singing along, and filling St. Rose Convent with their unified voice.

Doris Jones O’Leary, a former classmate of Sister Thea from Holy Child Jesus School in Canton, Miss., shared memories of Sister Thea’s bravery and ministry. O’Leary encouraged members of the audience to shout “Amen” when the spirit moved them, and several members of the audience took advantage of the opportunity.

	Sister Maryam Gossling's painting of Sister Thea Bowman, entitled Bright Glory.

After O’Leary’s reflections, Johnson-Wilmot performed a solo for the occasion, Deep River. Members of the audience were visibly moved by his rich baritone voice and soulful rendition of the song.

A gasp rose from the crowd during the unveiling of a new portrait of Sister Thea, as painted by Sister Maryam Gossling. Sister Maryam described her inspiration for the painting, “I wanted to capture Thea as she would be just before she started to sing. She would gather all this energy and you knew something good was coming.” The vibrantly-colored painting remained a centerpiece of the event to the end.

After the chapel program, attendees enjoyed the “flavor of soul” lunch, which included southern chicken, sweet potato fries, beans and rice, and pecan pie.

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