An African American Perspective—Sr. Thea Bowman

Music can serve as one way to unite races and cultures. Sr. Thea Bowman chose to educate through music. Her presentations combined story-telling, singing, Gospel preaching, and prayer. She motivated people to find ways to break down racial and cultural barriers and open communication with one another.

Sr. Thea Bowman was a holy person who used her gift of voice to praise God and to teach others to praise God through song. She shared her thoughts through African American Spirituals such as, "Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child," "Mary Don’t You Weep," and "Give Me That Ol’ Time Religion."

In connection with presenting the song, "This Little Light of Mine," she shared,

Sometimes people think they have to do big things in order to make a change, but if each one of us would light a candle, we’d have tremendous light. Sr. Thea Bowman, FSPA (1937-1990)

In an introduction to Lead Me, Guide Me—the African American Catholic Hymnal, Sr. Thea recalls the history of African American sacred music noting its rightful place in the music of the Catholic Church.

Lead Me, Guide Me, Vol 1 by Leon Roberts (GIA Publications) Lead Me, Guide Me, Vol 2 by Leon Roberts (GIA Publications)

Related Materials

Many of the following resources are available to purchase online at www.sbgreligion.com/catalog/ or call Silver Burdett Ginn Religion at 1-800-552-2259. See order number provided for each.

BENDECIDOS Song Book
Words and melody for children; contains music for levels 1-4

ORDER NUMBER: 1-57999-665-5

BENDECIDOS Accompaniment Book
Contains accompaniment music for levels 1-4

ORDER NUMBER: 1-57999-666-3

"Blest Are They," "O Breathe on Me O Breath of God"/ "Espíritu Consolador"
BENDECIDOS Music CD 4

ORDER NUMBER: 1-57999-671-X

Seasonal Celebrations Music CD
Selections of liturgical music from Gather Comprehensive, Second Edition accompany the themes and Scripture in Seasonal Celebrations in Planning Guides A, B, and C.

Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725).

ORDER NUMBER: 1-5999-325-7

Oramos Cantando/We Pray in Song
Bilingual hymnal contains hymns, bilingual psalms, and Donna Peña's bilingual Lenten Mass to supplement already existing hymnals in multicultural parishes.

ORDER NUMBER: 1-5999-542-X Hymnal
ORDER NUMBER: 1-5999-543-8 Accompaniment Book
ORDER NUMBER: 1-5999-552-7 3-CD Set