The legacy of Sister Thea Bowman, a Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration known for her work encouraging Black Catholics to be proud of their heritage and their faith, was honored at St. Mary Church. (Christina L. Knauss | Catholic News Herald) GREENSBORO — Catholic students from North Carolina A&T University spent a recent Saturday praying, discussing their faith and worshipping together at a Day of Reflection honoring the 35th anniversary of the death of Sister Thea Bowman, the namesake for the center of Catholic ministry on their campus – Thea House.
Sister Thea Bowman was a Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration known for her work encouraging Black Catholics to be proud of their heritage and their faith. The granddaughter of enslaved people, she was a convert to the faith and the only Black member of her order. She overcame racism and left a historic legacy when she died in 1990 at the age of 52.
In 2018, her cause for canonization was launched by the Diocese of Jackson, Mississippi, and she was named a Servant of God, the first of four steps on the road to sainthood.
The Day of Reflection was organized by Father Marcel Amadi, who serves as campus minister at North Carolina A&T and High Point University.
“We decided to honor her life and times because not only is our campus ministry named after her, but Sister Thea Bowman can serve as such a model for Black Catholics,” Father Amadi said.
“Sister Thea experienced struggles, and I tell the students I work with here not to ever relent, to keep striving. As Catholic students at an HBCU, her work and experience can teach them a lot.”
The daylong event was held at St. Mary Church in Greensboro. Father Amadi said some parishioners from the church joined in the activities, including families, a man who brought his daughter and a 12-year-old boy who attended because he wanted to learn more about his faith.
Participants prayed together, went to confession, listened to talks, held discussions and took part in Eucharistic Adoration. The day concluded with Mass attended by more parishioners.
Fran Acosta, director of development for the diocese’s Campus Ministry program, gave one of the talks.
“I am a Secular Franciscan and since Sister Thea Bowman was a Franciscan, it just was natural for me to participate,” Acosta said. “I called on Sister Thea to help me plant the seeds not just of Catholic faith, but bringing our cultures and our talents to our faith. It was nice to see the diversity in the audience. We had an age group from 12 years old to people in their 70s.”
She said the example of Sister Thea Bowman was powerful motivation.
“You know someone is amazing when, even after death, they still have such a presence,” Acosta said.
The Day of Reflection was one of many events that Thea House offers students at North Carolina A&T. During Lent, they have been taking part in praying the Stations of the Cross. They regularly attend Mass together and participate in Eucharistic Adoration. Students participate in Bible study and other gatherings, and along with Father Amadi offer a public witness to their devotion to the Blessed Mother by praying the rosary together at a Marian grotto in front of Thea House.
Father Amadi said between 25 and 30 students regularly take part in events at Thea House. They come from around North Carolina as well as several states including Louisiana and New York, and many are international students.
Wisdom Calmday, a mechanical engineering major, said the Day of Reflection was an added bonus to the spiritual benefits he gets from regular participation in campus ministry.
“For me, Thea House has become more than just another club or association – it’s a source of motivation to keep up my faith,” Calmday said. “Whether it’s going to Mass on Sundays or heading to confession, being part of this community encourages me to stay spiritually grounded even in the midst of academic and personal challenges.”
Calmday cited a quote from Sister Thea Bowman, “God is present in everything,” and said his experience with campus ministry bears that out.
“Campus ministry is a place where I can feel that presence more profoundly during any one of our gatherings.”
— Christina Lee Knauss