Description:

This book presents, in moving poetic form, the journey of the amazing Sister Thea Bowman, a dynamic Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration who is now on the path to canonization. Sister Thea’s vision of a more inclusive Catholic Church enriched by the many cultures of its faithful shaped her message to the world, the nation, and the Catholic Church in the US. This saint-to-be had a unique story of conversion to Catholicism that nurtured her faith and let her to become a vibrant and effective activist for racial and social justice within the Catholic Church. 

Always spirited, she faced adversity head-on with love, faith, hope, and determination that her Church might grow into the rich inclusive one she imagined. Well known for her joyful preaching and persuasive speaking abilities, as well as her use of song and dance, Sr. Thea enriched the Church she loved so much and effectively advocated for a sense of belonging for all its faithful. She united the US Catholic Bishops in understanding the very real need to create a more inclusive Church that did not let any of its faithful feel like motherless children.

Sr. Thea effectively advocated for inclusion and appreciation of Black Catholics as well as acknowledgment of their fully formed selves and the richness of their culture. Her legacy is vibrant and alive today with many schools, centers, institutes, foundations, parish programs, and university buildings named after her because her inspiration to pursue racial and social justice continues today. This collection of poems provides insights into her life, struggles, and joys as she lived out her faithful advocacy for a more perfect and inclusive Catholic Church. This book of poetry is a testament to the way in which Sr. Thea’s legacy of activism for racial and social justice continues, inspires, and feeds the Catholic faith, Franciscan tradition, and daily life. Sr. Thea Bowman lit her candle and asked us each to do the same because together we do, indeed, “have a tremendous light” that can continue her work and honor her legacy. 

by Marlene De La Cruz-Guzman

ISBN: 9781576594964

2026