Sister Thea Bowman canonization diocesan phase closing ceremony
02/09/26
In Jackson, Mississippi
All are welcome to attend the Closing Ceremony for the Diocesan Phase of Servant of God Sr. Thea Bowman, FSPA, will be held on Monday, February 9, at 12 p.m. in the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle at 123 North West St., Jackson, Mississippi. Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz, along with other bishops and clergy from the Province of Mobile, will celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving at noon.
Immediately following the Mass, the Closing Session will begin in the Cathedral with the Postulator from Rome and the Cause Tribunal sealing the boxes containing the acts (documents and findings) of the diocesan phase exploring the life and virtues of Sr. Thea. These boxes will be shipped to the Apostolic Nunciature in Washington for transfer to the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints at the Vatican. All are invited to come and celebrate this momentous occasion.
To learn more about Sister Thea, visit fspa.org, and click here to read "On the road, from Jackson to Rome, with Sister Thea," a story about a pilgrimage in Mississippi and Alabama honoring her legacy of Black Catholicism.
In La Crosse and Online
In La Crosse, FSPA is hosting an evening broadcast of “Sr. Dr. Thea Bowman, taking courage through prayer, study and action,” sponsored by Pax Christi USA and offered via Zoom. Professor Michael Howard, founder of the Eat the Scroll Ministry, will lead us through prayer based in the Scriptures and study of Sister Thea’s life and witness to the Gospel. We will view rare footage of Sister Thea in action, teaching about Black History Month. The evening will include time in small groups for sharing and reflection.
In Person Event (registration required)
When: Feb. 9, 2026
Where: St. Rose Convent, La Crosse, Assisi Room (lower level)
Time: 5:45 p.m. CST gather | 6 p.m. program via Zoom | small group sharing and reflection
RSVP: seating is limited, please call 608-782-5610 or email receptionists@fspa.org
Online Event
If you prefer to watch the program on your own, register here, Pax Christi: “Feb. 9 online event: Sr. Dr. Thea Bowman, taking courage through prayer, study, and action.”
About Servant of God Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration Thea Bowman
Sister Thea shared the message of God's love through a teaching career. After 16 years of teaching, at the elementary, secondary and university level, the bishop of Jackson, Mississippi, invited her to become the consultant for intercultural awareness. In her role as consultant Sister Thea, an African American, gave presentations across the country; lively gatherings that combined singing, gospel preaching, prayer and storytelling. Her programs were directed to break down racial and cultural barriers. She encouraged people to communicate with one another so that they could understand other cultures and races. Sister Thea was diagnosed with breast cancer and died in 1990. The Diocese of Jackson opened her cause for canonization (sainthood) in 2018.
Q. What are the steps to sainthood?
A. Sister Thea's official canonization website offers a great look at the stages and phases. The events on Feb. 9 complete Stage I, Phase I.
Learn more here.
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