This Little Light: Lessons in Living from Sister Thea Bowman

by Michael O'Neill McGrath

Sister Thea Bowman (1937-1980), an African-American Franciscan, was one of the great treasures of the American Catholic church. Through her integration of Catholic tradition and black pride she served as a beacon for a church that celebrates diversity, inclusiveness, and love for all God's children. Through her ministry of public speaking she touched countless people, bearing a message of faith and hope rooted in the Gospels and the wisdom of the Spirituals. Through her final ordeal with cancer she offered an inspiring example of what it means to be "fully alive," and to "live until one dies." Mickey McGrath is among those whose life was changed by her witness and story. Inspired by her message????????????????????????????????????????????????that God wants each of one of us to "let our little light shine"????????????????????????????????????????????????he found his own vocation as a religious artist. Here, through a series of 12 stunning paintings and his reflections on her life and teaching, McGrath celebrates the spirit of one the great prophets and spiritual guides of our time. It is a message that makes one rejoice in life and say Amen!

95 pages, Hardcover

First published October 30, 2008

Reviews

[Carola · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had never heard of Sister Thea Bowman prior to reading the review for this book in America magazine. I'm thankful to know something about her now, but I didn't feel the author gives any more insight into her life than the review itself did. His paintings are beautiful, but I was hoping to come away with a better sense of her as a person and as a spiritual leader.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful inspiring story about Sr. Thea Bowman.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard to say which is more inspiring, the story or the art. Thank you, Brother Mickey.