Statue Dedication Honors Servant of God Sister Thea Bowman, FSPA

JACKSON, MS — Bishop Joseph Kopacz of the Diocese of Jackson invites all to a special celebration honoring the life and legacy of Servant of God Sister Thea Bowman, FSPA. The event will feature the installation and blessing of a life-sized bronze statue of Sister Thea and will take place on Saturday, December 21, at 11 a.m. at the Cathedral of Saint Peter the Apostle in Jackson, Mississippi.

The bronze statue, a generous gift from the Bishops of the Province of Mobile, pays tribute to Sister Thea Bowman’s remarkable contributions to the Catholic Church and her inspiring witness of faith, cultural pride, and social justice. The celebration will begin with a solemn Mass, followed by the blessing of the statue. A reception will be held in the Cathedral Center, providing an opportunity for fellowship and reflection.

Sister Thea Bowman, a Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, was a trailblazing advocate for racial justice and intercultural dialogue. Born in Canton, Mississippi, in 1937, she dedicated her life to spreading the Gospel through music, education, and her charismatic presence. Her cause for sainthood was opened in 2018, marking her as a Servant of God in the process toward canonization.

“The blessing of this amazing statue is a tangible sign of the ongoing cause for the beatification and canonization of Servant of God Sr. Thea Bowman, FSPA,” said Mary Woodward, Chancellor of the Diocese of Jackson. “The statue captures Sr. Thea’s fiery spirit of inclusion and encounter in a way that reflects her zeal for her Catholic faith and her desire to welcome all to the Lord’s table as fully functioning children of God.”

This statue is a gift from the Catholic bishops of Mississippi and Alabama and was designed by local sculptor, Mary Ott Tremmel Davidson of Saucier, who was so inspired by Sr. Thea’s journey and legacy that she offered her talents so lovingly in order to make this beautiful bronze work of art. It will grace the Cathedral grounds until a permanent shrine can be developed as part of her cause for sainthood.

All are welcome to attend this historic event.

About Sister Thea Bowman: Sister Thea Bowman was born in Canton, Mississippi, in 1937. A gifted educator and speaker, she dedicated her life to promoting the richness of African-American culture within the Catholic Church and fostering unity and understanding among people of all backgrounds. Her legacy continues to inspire individuals worldwide.
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