A powerful legacy representing charity, inclusivity, and unconditional respect for all humankind; this is the endowment left by the late Sister Thea Bowman, Ph.D., FSPA, a former Xavier University of Louisiana professor and one of the founding members of Xavier’s Master of Theology program.

In celebration of her lasting imprint on the world, a recently released documentary chronicles her life and impact while shining a light on her life’s work as a devoted advocate for racial justice and intercultural understanding. Her life was exemplified as a miracle, and many called her generous acts “a phenomenon!”

“It’s a miracle what she did in her life, with the short life she lived. That is a miracle enough for me,” stated Sister Addie L. Walker SSND, Ph.D., Director of the Sankofa Institute and Sr. Bowman’s close friend.

Xavier is the nation’s only historically Black and Catholic institution of Higher education, and the university’s Catholic roots have been a cornerstone in the university's nearly 100-year legacy.

Kathleen Dorsey Bellow, D.Min., Director of Xavier’s Institute for Black Catholic Studies (IBCS), shares how Sr. Bowman’s influence shaped the IBCS.

“Institute study is rigorous; Students are immersed in Black theology, history, aesthetics, preaching and education. Sr. Thea was widely admired for her kindness and spiritual charisma. She brought balance and a welcomed sense of joy to community life,” shared Dr. Dorsey Bellow. “Still, in the classroom, Dr. Thea Bowman was no-nonsense. She demanded that students give their very best academic efforts because God’s people deserve excellence. Thea Bowman was no-nonsense. She demanded that students give their very best academic efforts because God's people deserve excellence."

 Sr. Bowman’s continuous passion for justice was known to be infectious. She championed for women and those who experienced injustice and oppression with an unwavering dedication to positive change. The documentary gives insight into her many “Servant Acts.”

The documentary dives deep into the life and impact of Sr. Bowman and her many “Servant Acts,” one of which was her bold protests to specific concepts of the Church and its theology. As Catholic woman, she belonged to predominantly white religious congregations, and received degrees from Primarily White Institutions. Her struggles and those of colleagues in those situations reinforced her commitment to work against systemic injustice and oppression and exclusion on behalf of the Black community. As a Catholic evangelizer she recognized that anti-Black racism was very present in many congregations.

Though she was loving of all people and respectful of diversity in culture and religion, her commitment to Black culture and her Catholic faith were the core values that guided her life’s ministry and mission. She fought until her dying day for universal rights, recognition, and inclusivity for people of all races and cultures, especially those under or misrepresented.

Her fighting spirit constantly ablaze, she continued to challenge the bishops to find ways to consult those of other cultures when making decisions. She demonstrated ways that they were obligated to recognize and integrate not just Black Catholics but people of all cultural and racial backgrounds. She passed on that drive through her teachings.

As Dr. Dorsey Bellow explains, in 1980, when Xavier’s IBCS was first established, there were very few professors that were qualified to teach Black Catholic Courses; However, Sr. Bowman was an excellent member of Xavier’s faculty, expecting remarkable things from her pupils.

“Her charisma and spirituality attracted students,” Dr. Dorsey Bellow praised. “She lifted the spirits of faculty colleagues and students.”

Her lasting touch reaches every student who graduates from Xavier, the nation’s only Catholic HBCU. Even as the university approaches its historic centennial, the significant contributions of Sr. Bowman, which began to change the minds of an institution as ancient as the Catholic Church, will not be forgotten.

Click here to watch the documentary! 

Going Home Like a Shooting Star: Thea Bowman’s Journey to Sainthood