While we have focused on the topic of racism before, so much more has happened since our last discussion and it feels imperative to keep this conversation going. A few months ago, we reflected on racism and prejudice and began a conversation inviting us to look inside ourselves, to reflect on the prejudice within.  At our next gathering, we will have the opportunity to learn about  Sr. Thea Bowman, a Black, Catholic Prophet and look outward, reflecting on how our faith can empower and strengthen our actions individually and communally.  Simultaneously, as people of faith, we will wrestle with the fact that much transformation needs to occur within the Church, ourselves, and society in creating the “Beloved Community.”

Spotlight on Black Prophets: Sr. Thea Bowman was called the “Minister of Joy” because of her tireless ministry to the African American community. She became a religious sister at a young age, and went on to teach for 16 years, after receiving her Ph.D.  She was a founding faculty member of the Institute for Black Catholic Studies at Xavier University in New Orleans. She became a highly acclaimed evangelizer, teacher, writer, and singer sharing the joy of the Gospel and Black spirituality.  While she struggled with cancer for the six years before she died, she vowed to: “live until I die” and continued to speak.  Less than a year before she died, weak in body, but strong in spirit, she addressed the US Bishops at their annual meeting in a speech that inspired them to stand and sing together  “We Shall Overcome.”

Please contact Meghan Robinson for the zoom link!