Photo by Sarah Rose

ATLANTA—The Lyke House Catholic Center honored Franciscan Sister Thea Bowman at its inaugural concert for her contributions to the church.   

The late religious sister advocated for more inclusion of African American believers in the Catholic church, including promoting gospel music in liturgy. The Lyke House serves young Catholics at Georgia State University, Morehouse College, Spelman College and Clark Atlanta University. 

Bowman was a Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration. She has the title “Servant of God,” as her cause for sainthood is studied. She is one of six African American Catholics whose causes are under consideration by the church. 

The Feb. 20 concert drew nearly 40 people and included performances from the choir of Sts. Peter & Paul Church, the Bowman scholar singers from the Catholic center and others.