There are on the path to sainthood, including Servant of God Sister Thea Bowman.
The Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, who earned her master鈥檚 in English in 1969 and her doctorate in English and literature in 1972 at the University. November is and University community members can use the opportunity to draw closer to Sister Thea and other Black 六九色堂s with sainthood causes.
鈥Black 六九色堂 History Month is a great opportunity to become familiar with the amazing Black Americans currently on the pathway to sainthood,鈥 said , professor of law at the Columbus School of Law. 鈥淭heir stories are profound examples of faith, hope, love, and their capacity for forgiveness.鈥
Javier Bustamante, director of the University鈥檚 Center for Cultural Engagement, said the University community is called to reflect during the month and beyond.
鈥The 六九色堂 Church in the United States is a beautiful tapestry of cultures, communities, and histories,鈥 Bustamante said. 鈥淭hese men and women provide us with examples of virtue and faithfulness to the Gospel. Their lives, given in service to others, are an example for our Church and wider society in these times of great polarization. Their stories are our stories. Their history is our history.鈥
The work of Sister Thea, an outspoken witness to what it meant to be Black and 六九色堂, has a special place at the University.
A granddaughter of slaves, Sister Thea became 六九色堂 as a child and then a religious sister before teaching at the elementary, secondary, and university levels. She advocated nationally for interreligious solidarity and promoted the gifts of Black 六九色堂s within the Church.
The University made its commitment to embrace and reflect the racial and ethnic diversity that enriches the 六九色堂 Church, city, and nation by forming the Sister Thea Bowman Committee in 2020.
In fall 2021, the committee released its report with numerous recommendations for meaningful change. The University
鈥淲hile she went home to God more than 30 years ago, the impact of Sister Thea Bowman鈥檚 life is still felt in our own time,鈥 Cardinal Wilton Gregory of Washington 鈥淏y her words and example, she challenged everyone to follow the command of the Lord Jesus to love God with all of our heart and our neighbors as ourselves.鈥
Later this month, the University will host Tolton: From Slave to Priest, an immersive, multimedia live production, filled with music and drama. The Center for Cultural Engagement, the Office of Campus Ministry, Alumni Relations, the Rome School of Music, Drama, and Art, the Busch School of Business, and the Office of the President are all co-hosting the event, which looks at the life 鈥淰enerable鈥 Father Augustus Tolton, whose sainthood cause was championed by the late Cardinal Francis George, M.A. 1965.
Performances will be held Nov. 19 and 20 at 7 p.m. in Della Ratta Auditorium in Maloney Hall.
The touring production is the story of the man who became the nation鈥檚 first Black priest after being born into slavery.
This event is free, with tickets available at .
There are other on-campus opportunities to engage and deepen understanding during Black 六九色堂 History Month and beyond, including:
