Parish calendar of events

SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
Assisi Prayer Chain, The power of prayer is available to all those in need through the Assisi Prayer Chain. Details: (601) 937-5943 or (601) 214-3093 between 5-7 p.m.
CHATAWA St. Mary of the Pines Retreat Center, “The Lenten Journey: A Couple’s Response to Christ’s Call” for married couples, Friday, March 8 through Sunday, March 10, 2019. Begins Friday at 4 p.m. until Sunday morning. Presenters: Lloyd and Jan Tate are both trained spiritual directors of the Archdiocese of New Orleans and given retreats for more than 40 years. Suggested donation: $360 per couple. Details: Sr. Sue Von Bank (601) 783-0801 retreatcenter@ssndcp.org.
Saturday, March 9, 2019, A Lenten Day of Reflection – Chosen, Blessed, Broken and Shared, 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. The Eucharist is the very pattern of our lives. Listen to the wisdom of Pope Francis as he calls us all to be sent in holiness. Presenter: Christine Ingrassia, who is a lay minister, graduate of Loyola Institute for Ministry and spiritual director. Suggested donation: $40, includes lunch. Details: Sr. Sue Von Bank (601) 783-0801 retreatcenter@ssndcp.org.
CULLMAN, Ala., Benedictine Sisters Retreat Center, Epiphany Day of Reflection, Saturday, January 5, 2019. Epiphany is a perfect time to pause and reflect on Christ in our midst. There will be a particular focus on art and literature that incorporate the theme of Epiphany. Retreat Director: Sister Elisabeth Meadows, O.S.B. Cost: $30, includes lunch. Details: (256) 734-8302, retreats@shmon.org or www.shmon.org

PARISH, SCHOOL AND FAMILY EVENTS
CLARKSDALE St. Elizabeth, new Bible Study on the Gospel of Luke beginning Wednesday, January 9, 2019, in St. Elizabeth rectory. Details: Libby Antici at (662) 624-4301.
CLEVELAND Our Lady of Victories, Ladies Bible Study, resumes Wednesday, January 9, 2019, at 6 p.m. on Lesson 11: What does the sacrament of Penance have to do with my friendship with Christ? Details: church office (662) 846-6273.
GLUCKSTADT St. Joseph, January 27-29, 2019, Parish Mission by Jon Leonetti, author of his newest book, “The art of getting over yourself and why you’ will be happier when you do.” This book is about discovering the freedom Christ offers by way of his life and love. Details: parish office (601) 856-2054.
PEARL St. Jude, Alpha courses beginning on Mondays, January 7 – April 1, 2019, from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Alpha is a series of sessions exploring the Christian faith. Each talk looks at a different question on faith and is designed to create conversation. Each talk starts with a meal and will be followed by a video presentation with small group table discussion. Details: church office (601) 939-3181.
YOUTH BRIEFS
CLARKSDALE Catholic Community of St. Elizabeth, Bible Adventure for Pre4 – 2nd graders meets Sundays from 9:40 – 10:20 a.m. in the daycare room at St. Elizabeth School. Details: church office (662) 624-4301.
MADISON St. Francis, Save the Date, NET Retreat for 7-12 grades, Saturday, February 16. Details: church office (601) 856-5556.
St. Joseph School, “Jeans, Jazz and Bruin Blues,” Annual Draw Down, Saturday, February 23, 2019, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $130 and admit two adults; second chance insurance may be added for $20. Each ticket includes a chance to win $10,000. Details: school office (601) 898-4800, tharris@stjoebruins.comor www.stjoebruins.com

SAVE THE DATE
World Marriage Day – The Catholic Diocese of Jackson and the Office of Family Ministry are pleased to announce that the 2019 Diocesan World Marriage Day Celebration will be Sunday, February 24, 2019, at 3:00 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle. Bishop Joseph Kopacz, will honor couples with a blessing at Mass. A reception immediately follows. Couples celebrating their 25th, 50th, and 60th anniversaries, or any significant anniversary should notify their parish to be included in the celebration. Details: Charlene Bearden, Coordinator, Office of Family Ministry at 601-960-8487, or charlene.bearden@jacksondiocese.org

National Migration Week January 6-12, 2019
CORINTH St. James, Tuesday, January 8, 6-8 p.m., Free Legal Clinic TBA; Migrant Support Center of Catholic Charities
TUPELO St. James, Sunday, January 6, 2-4 p.m., Inauguration with Epiphany celebration; Cultural and video presentation with Professor Carlos Horacio Toro Escobar, Southeastern Pastoral Insitite (SEPI).
Thursday, January 10, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. “Creating Communities of Welcome” with Father Sean Carroll, S.J., Kino Border Initiative. For pastors, LEMs, staff and leaders of Deanery V.
St. James and Vardaman, Friday, January 11, 10 a.m. – 12 noon, Tour and conversation with Fr. Sean Carroll, S.J. Meeting with Advisory Board, staff and community members in Vardaman.
6-8 p.m. – Youth Mass commemorating National Migration Week with Father Carroll and Bishop Kopacz
Saturday, January 12, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. “Culture of Encounter” Hispanic celebration and closure of National Migration Week with Mass

Edict opens Sister Thea Bowman’s cause

By Maureen Smith
JACKSON – Bishop Joseph Kopacz read the edict to open the cause for canonization for Sister Thea Bowman, FSPA, Servant of God, at a Sunday, Nov. 18, Mass at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle in downtown Jackson, Mississippi. The church was packed with people who loved Sister Thea and can’t wait to see her become a saint.
Days before the Mass, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops unanimously voted in support of the cause moving forward during their general assembly in Baltimore. Sister Bowman, a Mississippi native and the only African-American member of her order, the Wisconsin-based Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, was a widely known speaker, evangelizer and singer until she died of cancer in 1990 at age 52. She even made a presentation at the U.S. bishops’ spring meeting in 1989, moving some prelates to tears.

Some of the songs she sang at that bishop’s meeting took center stage at the Mass. Phyllis Lewis-Hale, a professor from Jackson State University sang “Sometimes I feel like a motherless child” as a prelude to the Mass and brought the congregation to its feet with “We Shall Overcome” after communion. Everyone in the church spontaneously joined hands and swayed as they sang with Lewis-Hale – much like the bishops did in 1989.
Lewis-Hale teaches opera and traditional voice classes, but also teaches classes in Negro Spirituals. “Those spirituals go across denominations – they are cultural so I have known these songs all my life,” she said. She believes people can find comfort and support during these times if they “go back to the soothing comforting words of spirituals,” she added. She said she was honored to be a part of the celebration. “I am glad Sister Thea has been given this recognition and this honor and I hope this can come to fulfillment.”
Members of the choir from Sister Thea’s home parish of Canton Holy Child Jesus offered “Be Encouraged” during communion. Bernadette Otto-Russell, one of the singers, first sang in Sister Thea’s choir when she was in the third grade. “This was awesome. This is an enjoyable and memorable moment – I’m getting full just thinking about it. I think the people that know Sister Thea – they know who she is and they will always cherish her and also her memories. She will never die,” said Otto-Russell, adding that it was a joy and an honor to sing for her childhood teacher.
Carolyn Brooks and her mother Jean Brooks came from out of town to attend the Mass. When the younger Brooks attended Christ the King School she met Sister Thea. Brooks called her an inspiration both in her childhood and today. Jean Brooks called the Mass “inspirational,” adding that “we need the spirit from this service in this day and age.”
The postulator, Dr. Andrea Ambrosi and his assistant, Nina Bartulica, sat in the front pew with representatives from Sister Thea’s religious community, the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, Sister Eileen McKenzie, president; Sister Marla Lang and Sister Helen Elsbernd, both classmates of Sister Thea and Sister Dorothy Kundinger, Sister Thea’s assistant during her illness.
“She was my sister and my friend,” said Sister Kundinger, who was all smiles after the Mass, greeting friends and enjoying the moment.
A delegation of students from Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School in Jackson handed out prayer cards after Mass. The students were thrilled to be a part of this historic moment for their school’s namesake. Sixth-grader Alexander Mason said he and his fellow students know the story of her life and have learned many lessons from Sister Thea’s mantra that she wanted to live until she died. “She taught me to always have perseverance and that I should never give up – even if I am close to death, I should keep on pushing myself to try,” said Mason.
In his homily Bishop Kopacz quoted the old testament reading for the day from the Book of Daniel “The wise shall shine like the splendor of the firmament. Those who lead the many to justice shall be like the stars forever.” He spoke of Sister Thea’s wisdom and joy and holiness, saying that today “her holiness shines upon us.”

(The Diocese of Jackson has launched a website detailing Sister Thea’s life and the cause for canonization, sistertheabowman.com.)

Annunciation School breaks ground on expansion

By Katie Fenstermacher
COLUMBUS – On Thursday, November 29, members of the Annunciation School community celebrated the much-anticipated groundbreaking ceremony for the school’s expansion. Talks of expanding have been ongoing for several years due to increasing enrollment every year – enrollment has almost doubled in the last seven years.
After much discussion and research school and parish administrators decided the best plan of action financially would be to build on the current location. A capital campaign started last spring to raise the $3 million needed to move forward with an expansion. As of today, the school has raised just shy of $2 million, which will allow work to begin on the first phase of expansion to include six new classrooms, a computer/STREAM lab, science lab, library and administrative offices. The front of the school will also get a revamp.
Representatives from each committee that worked on getting the school to this point joined Bishop Joseph Kopacz to “break ground” on this exciting new venture. The ceremony included alumni, parent, student and faculty speakers as well as a ceremonial turning of the dirt on the worksite. Earlier in the week, principal Joni House and Father Jeffery Waldrep got behind the controls of a backhoe to smash the front wall of the old building. Once they took a swing or two, construction crews took over to clear the lot for real work to begin.
Kyle McConnell, alumnus and committee member spoke about being in the first first grade class of 1963 and how much Annunciation school has grown since. His children and now his grandchildren have attended. Current parent Ashley Matthews, spoke about what this expansion means to her and her children while seventh-grader Jules Gallo, spoke about his excitement over having a new building.
Principal Joni House said her excitement is about more than just the new facility. “It’s just a joyful feeling. It’s been extremely heartwarming to see all the support that we have,” said House
Debbie Leonard, faculty member, spoke about her many years of employment and what a blessing physical growth means for the school.
Bishop Kopacz, and Father Waldrep also spoke at the ceremony. The new rooms should be ready by fall 2019.
Organizers hope to continue the capital campaign to add even more to the expansion, such as a stage for the gym and a working cafeteria.

(Katie Fenstermacher is the public relations and admissions director for Annunciation School.)

Seminarian Cesar Sanchez accepted to candidacy

CANTON – During the 11:30 a.m. Mass at Sacred Heart Parish on Sunday, Dec. 2, Cesar Sanchez was accepted as a candidate for ordination for the Diocese of Jackson. This rite is one of many steps in formation for a seminarian. Sanchez presented himself to Bishop Joseph Kopacz to ask to be considered for ordination. The bishop asked him a series of questions and then accepted him.
Six priests, two deacons and three diocesan seminarians assisted at the Mass.
Sanchez thanked his brother and sister-in-law who attended the Mass, as well as his spiritual family who packed the church for the Mass and invited everyone to a reception in the parish center following Mass. He even played his guitar and sang at the reception. He has served at the parish for more than a year.
Sanchez is set to be ordained to the transitional diaconate on Saturday, May 15, 2019 at Sacred Heart Parish during the 5:15 p.m. Mass.
All the diocesan seminarians will attend a Holy Hour for vocations on Thursday, Dec. 20 at 5:30 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle.

 

Carmelites host Fontanini

JACKSON – Emanuele Fontanini, a fourth-generation member of the family now famous for their detailed nativity sets, spent a couple of hours at the Carmelite monastary on Saturday, Dec. 1. The tour is part of Fontanini Nativity’s 110th anniversary. The artist signed figuries and visited with collectors. The Carmelites have carried the Fontanini collection in their gift shop for generations and even keep a registry for families who purchase a new figurine annually. (Photo by Tereza Ma)

Carmelites, schools see generosity through iGiveCatholic

By Maureen Smith
JACKSON – This year’s iGiveCatholic one-day online giving campaign raised more than $5.6 million from 23,000 donors across the United States. The Diocese of Jackson raised $72,521 for parishes, schools and organizations.
This is the third year the diocese has participated in iGiveCatholic. Organizers sought to take advantage of a national philanthropy effort called Giving Tuesday, which falls on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving as a charitable counterpart to the consumerism of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. More dioceses have joined every year, making it a truly national effort. “It was so awesome to be join with other dioceses around the country. It helps us show our communities all the wonderful work Catholics are doing in our dioceses, said Rebecca Harris, executive director of The Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of Jackson. The foundation covers the cost of participating so parishes and schools can keep all the money they raise.
The idea is simple, iGiveCatholic provides an online giving platform for parishes, schools and diocesan-sponsored organizations. Those who choose to participate select a particular project they want to fund. The organizations can promote the projects however they want. Many use videos, social media or internal community communications to raise awareness about their effort. Then, on Tuesday, Nov. 27, the website accepts donations for 24 hours.
This year’s top earner was the Carmelite Monastery in Jackson. The sisters need a new heating and air conditioning system at the monastery. “Most of us got sick last year because we had no A/C, we had no heat,” explained prioress Sister Jane Agonoy, OCD. They now have $17,000 to put toward the project. This is a good start, but will not pay for the whole system. “We go by faith, but proceeds were good enough to get started. We told them to start with where the sisters live.
The rest will just follow,” she added.
Sister Jane said she wants to thank all their benefactors from her heart. She believes the Sisters were successful in part because of efforts this year to raise awareness about the community and in part because people appreciate their work. “They can feel our prayers. Our benefactors might never see us in person, but they can feel our prayers. We really, really pray for them. We gather as a community seven times a day to pray the prayer of the church. It is our life. It is a sacrifice, but we do it for love,” she added. The Sisters also need to replace a collapsing brick wall around their property, but Sister Jane has faith that that project will also be completed.
Diocesan schools did well during the campaign. Jackson St. Richard came close to raising $10,000 to improve technology. Madison St. Joseph School will put $9,000 toward a new bus. Madison St. Anthony raised almost $7,500 and Jackson Sister Thea Bowman School raised almost $6,000.
“IGiveCatholic is a fun way for everyone in the Diocese of Jackson to feel connected. Following the leaderboard and watching the numbers climb is very exciting,” said Jennifer David, principal at St. Richard. She said their project falls in line with other improvements at the school. “Their generous gifts will make it possible to continue implementing our newly revised technology plan. We want St. Richard students to have access to cutting-edge technology as a way to enjoy and enrich their learning,” David added.
St. Joseph School principal Dena Kinsey said a bus will help both the students under her roof and those who may have siblings at other schools.“A school bus would allow us to shuttle students to school in the morning from Jackson, for families who find the commute to St. Joe a hardship. Our students are involved in many activities. A bus would provide transport to retreats, enable our fine arts students to perform at local elementary schools and nursing homes, take students to visit children at Blair E. Batson hospital, to away games for athletics and other activities,” she added.
Kinsey appreciates that the effort is elevated beyond the diocese. “I appreciate that IGiveCatholic is a national campaign which utilizes Giving Tuesday as a platform to come together as faithful stewards towards a specific goal, connecting with our current donors, and giving us the opportunity to build relationships with new supporters,” she explained.
Vicksburg Catholic School used videos to promote its project – a new awning to keep students dry when they leave St. Francis Xavier elementary on rainy days. “We have been talking about an awning for years,” said Kristi Smith, development director. Other needs, she said, would always take precedence. IGiveCatholic gave the school an opportunity to earmark money specifically for the project.
“We started piecing together those videos a couple of weeks ago when we were having torrential rains,” explained
Kristi Smith, development director. The kids sang their own version of ‘Raindrops keep falling on my head’ in the promotional video on the school’s iGiveCatholic page. On Nov. 27, the school posted other photos and videos on its social media pages to encourage people to donate. Thanks to donors, the project is 61 percent funded. The school may utilize the videos and shoot some new ones as they continue their effort to raise the remaining money needed.
Parish projects included wireless internet access for Madison St. Francis Parish and rectory roof repairs at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle.

Silver Rose reunites old friends on international journey

By Gene Buglewicz
OXFORD – Knights of Columbus Council 10901, based out of St. John the Evangelist Parish, participated in the international devotional and pilgrimage to Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Patroness of North America in late September. James Reid, trustee for the council, coordinated with other councils as well as the devotional which begins with recitation of the rosary and includes displaying a silver rose.

CLINTON – Larry Moeller, from Council 10216, Flowood, receives the traveling case that carries the silver rose carried by Gene Buglewicz, Council 10901, Oxford. Council 10216 was having their devotional honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe later that afternoon. After Council 10216’s devotional, a representative will again carry the silver rose to yet another Council for their devotional, and so on until the silver rose reaches the end of it’s journey at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Monterrey Mexico in early December. (Photo by Gene Buglewicz)

At the conclusion of the program, the silver rose was packed in its special transport box, and staying within the custom of the rose not remaining in one location for more than 24 hours, was given to council member Gene Buglewicz who was traveling to Clinton the next morning. There the silver rose was passed to Larry Moeller of Council 10216 who was taking the rose to it’s next devotional location.
Interestingly, Larry Moeller and Gene Buglewicz were friends and neighbors from Vicksburg and had not seen each other for at least 10 years. Both had been members of Knights of Columbus Council 898 in Vicksburg. Both Larry and his wife had moved to Flowood and Gene and his wife had moved to Water Valley, so they had not seen each other for some time. After catching up on family and friends, Larry departed the parking lot to deliver the silver rose to his council and Gene and his wife departed for Water Valley.
As the silver roses pass from council to council on their journey throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico, this scene is repeated over and over again as old friends from different councils and bound by the Knights of Columbus and brotherhood, sometimes from different countries, meet to pass on a representation of our common faith and adoration of Our Lady of Guadalupe to commemorate the miracle of the silver rose.
Council 10901 is proud to play a part in the this international devotional to Our Lady of Guadalupe.

(Gene Buglewicz is a member of Oxford St. John Parish.)

Parish calendar

SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
BROOKSVILLE The Dwelling Place, An Advent Overnight – the Good and Perfect Gift, December 7-8. Beginning Friday, December 7, at 6:30 p.m. until Saturday, December 8, at 4 p.m. GIve yourself or a friend the gift of a day to celebrate the Christ Child. Spiritual Director: Clare Van Lent, MA CSp., Director. Donation: $100. Details: (662) 738-5348 or email dwellpl@gmail.com for more information.
CHATAWA St. Mary of the Pines Retreat Center, A Lenten Day of Reflection, God’s Love and Mercy. Saturday, February 17, 2019, 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Presenter: Sister Dorez Mehrtens, SSND. Cost: Suggested donation: $40, includes lunch. Details: Sister Sue Von Bank (601) 783-0801 retreatcenter@ssndcp.org

PARISH, SCHOOL AND FAMILY EVENTS
AMORY St. Helen, Grandparents’ Day Mass and Children’s Play, Sunday, December 16 at 11 a.m. Details: church office (662) 256-8392.
JACKSON Advent Lessons and Carols service at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle, Tuesday, December 4, at 6:30 pm. A reception will follow in the Parish Center. Details: (601) 969-3125.
Candlelight Remembrance Celebration sponsored by the St. Richard Bereavement Support Group, Thursday, December 13, at 6:30 p.m. in Foley Hall. There will be a discussion of various ways to honor our deceased loved ones followed by a brief candle-lit prayer service. A social time of wine and refreshments follows the service. Please RSVP so we will know how many to plan for. Details: Linda Lalor (601) 853-8840, Suzie Cranston (601) 982-5464 or Nancy McGhee (601) 942-2078, or email ncmcghee@bellsouth.net.
MADISON St. Francis of Assisi, “The Catholic Stuff You Should Know” adult education class will be showing “The Wild Goose,” Sunday mornings at 9:15 – 10:15 a.m. in the Family Life Center lounge. Details: church office (601) 856-5556.

NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, Alcorn State University Christmas Concert presented by the Natchez Festival of Music, Sunday December 2, at 7 p.m. Open to the public and no cost to attend. Details: church office (601) 445-5616.
SOUTHAVEN Christ the King, Advent/Christmas Concert, Sunday, December 2, at 4 p.m. followed by dinner. Details: church office (662) 342-1073

YOUTH BRIEFS
COLUMBUS Annunciation School, Christmas Extravaganza, Thursday, December 13, 6:30 p.m. at Mississippi University for Women Rent Auditorium. Details: school office (662) 328-4479.
GREENVILLE St. Joseph School, Band Concert, Tuesday, December 11, at 6 p.m. Details: school office (662) 378-9711.
Our Lady of Lourdes School, Christmas Program “Special Delivery,” Tuesday, December 18, matinee and evening performances. Details: school office (662) 334-3287.
HERNANDO Holy Spirit, “How the Grinch Gave Christmas Back” Young People’s Christmas program, Sunday, December 9, at 6 p.m. Details: Barbara Smith at (662) 233-4833 or (901) 413-8102.
JACKSON St. Richard School, Save the Date, Krewe de Cardinal, Friday, March 1, 2019, at The Railroad District, Jackson. Creole Cuisine, Live Music and Premium Auction. Details: school office (601) 366-1157, Wendi Shearer wshearer@strichardschool.org or www.strichardschool.org.
MADISON St. Francis of Assisi, Boys’ Church Basketball Winter league for 7/8 grade, 9/10 grade and 11/12 grade teams. Registration and money due by November 28. Details: amy.lipovetsky@stfrancismadison.org or (601) 856-5556.
NATCHEZ St. Mary Basilica, Pancake Breakfast with Santa, Saturday, December 8 from 8:30 – 10:30 a.m. at the O’Connor Family Life Center, 613 Main Street. Cost: $10 per person. Details: Carrie Lambert at stmaryyouth@cableone.net or (601) 445-5616.

SAVE THE DATE
“A Guide for Grievers” Through a partnership between Catholic Charities’ Parish Health Care Ministry and the Catholic Diocese of Jackson’s Office of Family Ministry, Bob Willis; artist, author, sculptor and grief specialist from Oklahoma City will present half-day workshops and discussions on grief, and how to adapt to loss. Workshops will be offered at the following locations/times: Hernando Holy Spirit, Wednesday, November 28, 9:30-1:30 p.m.; Indianola Immaculate Conception, November 28, 5:30-9 p.m.; Starkville St. Joseph, Thursday, November 29, 12:30 – 5 p.m.; Gluckstadt St. Joseph, Friday, November 30, 12 – 4 p.m. Details: Sister Pat Clemen, Coordinator of Parish Health Ministry at (601) 213-6378, or sisterpat.clemen@ccjackson.org or Charlene Bearden, Coordinator of Family Ministry at 601-960-8487, or charlene.bearden@jacksondiocese.org. Ministry at 601-960-8487.
VICKSBURG Prayer Ministry, The Mercy Associates are a group of lay men and women who work with the Sisters of Mercy to further the charism of mercy in our parishes and community. The group of 20 women is committed to pray for each intention several times each day for seven days. All prayer requests are held in complete confidentiality. Details: Karen Harrison at (601) 397-7879 to submit a prayer request.

Obispos aprueban abrir causa de santidad de Hermana Thea

Por Mark Pattison
BALTIMORE (CNS) – Los obispos de los Estados Unidos dieron su consentimiento al esfuerzo de canonización lanzado por la Diócesis de Jackson, Mississippi. para la hermana Thea Bowman. La aprobación, en una votación por voz, llegó el tercer día de su reunión general de otoño en Baltimore. La “consulta canónica” con el cuerpo de los obispos de los Estados Unidos es un paso en el proceso de la Iglesia Católica para declarar a una persona santa.


La hermana Bowman, nativa de Mississippi y la única miembro afroamericana de su orden, las Franciscanas de la Adoración Perpetua con sede en Wisconsin, fue una oradora, evangelizadora y cantante ampliamente conocida, hasta que murió de cáncer en 1990 a los 52 años. Ella hizo una presentación en la reunión de primavera de los obispos de Estados Unidos en 1989, que conmovió a algunos prelados hasta las lágrimas.
“Los fieles de la Diócesis de Jackson y mucho más allá de ella” han pedido que comience su proceso de canonización, dijo el obispo Joseph R. Kopacz, de Jackson, quien se convirtió en obispo de la diócesis en 2014. “Incluso mucho antes de que yo llegara a Jackson, las peticiones estaban llegando “explicó.
La hermana Bowman, dijo el obispo Kopacz, era “una embajadora de Jesucristo y un apóstol de la reconciliación”, y agregó que “estuvo cantando, enseñando e inspirando hasta el final”. El obispo Kopacz rociaba generosamente sus comentarios con citas de la hermana Bowman.
La hermana Bowman fue pionera en casi todos los roles: la primera hermana religiosa afroamericana de Canton, Mississippi; primera en dirigir una oficina de conciencia intercultural; y la primera mujer afroamericana en dirigirse a la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de los Estados Unidos.
La música era especialmente importante para ella. Ella llevó su mensaje a todo el país, hablando en reuniones y convenciones de la iglesia, haciendo 100 compromisos de conferencias por año, pero el cáncer la retrasó.
El cardenal de Boston Sean P. O’Malley, que fue obispo de la Diócesis de St. Thomas en las Islas Vírgenes de los Estados Unidos de 1985 a 1992, dijo el 14 de noviembre que los católicos de su ex diócesis “realmente veneran a la hermana Thea y realmente me alegro de ver que esto se ha hecho realidad “.
El padre redentorista Maurice Nutt, al observar el vigésimo aniversario de la muerte de la hermana Bowman en 2010, dijo que cree que la difunta monja es una santa. Aunque no está oficialmente canonizada, “la hermana Thea está canonizada en los corazones de todos los que la conocieron y la amaron”, dijo.