Sister Thea Bowman (1937-1990) was an African-American Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration who, through her contagious sense of God’s love and passion for justice, has made a remarkable contribution to music and liturgy in the American Catholic Church. Thea Bowman earned a PhD in literature, taught at every level of Catholic education, and traveled the country encouraging all to lift their voices in song and praise.
             
After speaking to the U.S. Catholic Bishops in 1989 on the importance of full active and lively participation in Liturgy, she had the group lock arms and join in singing, “We Shall Overcome”.
 
In 1984, Thea was diagnosed with cancer and continued to travel the country adding to her message of lively Church Liturgy and Music and a strong conviction to live fully until you die. Thea lived a full life. She fought evil, especially prejudice, suspicion, hatred, and things that drive people apart. She fought for God and God’s people until her death in 1990 at the age of 53.