First African-American member of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration

On September 2, 1952, Bertha Bowman entered the St. Rose Convent in La Crosse, Wisconsin, marking a historic first for the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration as she became their very first African-American member. At only 15, Thea had chosen a path not only of religious commitment but one laden with the challenges of integrating an African-American woman into a predominantly white serious religious community. This remarkable first opened pathways for dialogue about race and inclusion within religious communities and broader society. Her presence in the convent challenged existing racial dynamics and began a lifetime of work to incorporate African-American cultural expressions into Catholic worship. Her courage and commitment at such a young age set the stage for her future accomplishments in the Church.