The image for the holy card was taken from the first photograph, where she is dressed in her pre-V2 habit. The artistic style is purposefully innocent and lighthearted, I don't know if that is interpretation of her personality or not.I have not read much of her story. That artistic style is obviously strongly linked to post-V2. Is the glass half full or half empty? I guess everyone is going to see something different in that card.
I like the format. It isn't sappy, saccharine, maudlin, or slushy. It's appropriate to St. Thea who I heard speak three times. She was dynamic and cheerful and a beacon of hope, even in her illness.
About her, Christopher Pramuck wrote, "Arguably no person in recent memory did more to resist and transform the sad legacy of segregation and racism in the Catholic Church than Thea Bowman ... who inspired millions with her singing and message of God's love for all races and faiths. Sister Thea awakened a sense of fellowship in people both within and well beyond the Catholic world, first and foremost through her charismatic presence."
I think the "holy" card looks like a comic book drawing...or a caricature. But I guess the "new" Church is going for "informal" and avoiding depicting someone who is supposed to be a saint with dignity and bearing.
What would have been wrong with using an actual photograph of her?
I think the card looks like it is drawn for children.
Just another Vatican II Saint to be. Hey when will John Paul I be made a saint that way all Vatican II popes will be saints. Wow what a church we have today.
The creators of the card were trying to capture something of Sister Thea's spirit. What Can be fairly said of her is that she was on fire with the love of God.
Anonymous, I think TJM has in mind the general "blandening" of all things Catholic. The Mass, the teaching, the saints.... I don't think he was implying that all saints die a martyrs death, but thanks for your input.
Dan, TJM complained that Thea Bowman did not die a martyr's death as Joan of Arc and Thomas More did. As such, in his mind, her cause is "ersatz." (I suspect he knows little or nothing about Sr Thea, and that his comments is, as usual, nothing more that venting.)
I reminded him that not all Saints die a martyr's death.
I admit I know nothing about her, and this is an opportunity to look into her story.
But I do agree there needs to be a moratorium on canonisations. The hierarchical church has about zero credibility on anything, and the recent bogus canonisation of Paul VI made it less than zero. If I were Thea, I wouldn't want to be canonised with this bunch. And if they did it anyway, I'd definitely appeal.
The USCCB has said they need more 'African American' saints. So the canonization process is to be another example of 'affirmative action' in a nation which seems obsessed with racial issues.
As for the prayer card, it's quite sweet in a childish way. It's not a definitive document and anyone who wants to produce a 'better' one is at liberty to do so.
Inasmuch as African American (no need for quotes) candidates for sainthood were routinely overlooked ("Can anything good come from Nazareth?") it should be expected that the USCCB should engage in affirmative action. How long did it take for African American candidates to be admitted to American seminaries, to be welcome to sit with non-Black congregants, to serve as Bishops?
The evil of racial prejudice as well as ethnic prejudice - all examples of eurocentric hegemony - have caused and continue to cause suffering for the Church and for those so slighted.
it's quite sweet in a childish way It fits right in with the V2 mentality, would even be easy to make into a felt banner.just like a lot of the sentimental "religious" art I was exposed to in the 70's, the gift shop at the Maria Stein Shrine of the Holy Relics used to overflow with the crap, Oh and macrame, lots and lots of macrame
This is pure crap, politicizing religion. And that my friend, is why the Catholic Church, a once great and universal Church is on life support. There are plenty of Black saints, and you know it. Is a "transgender or gay" saint in the cue yet?
Another example, we needed to make the clergy more "inclusive" by admitting perverts to its ranks. And the innocent laity suffered. Until you are pushed into the tumbril, you will never get it.
And if you want to to see the tragedy of politicizing the Faith, look to the Church in Central and South America. A conservative Church backed an oppressive government and or oligarchy and look St generations of the faithful as a result
"Fr. Michael J. Kavanaugh said... Inasmuch as African American (no need for quotes) candidates for sainthood were routinely overlooked ("Can anything good come from Nazareth?") it should be expected that the USCCB should engage in affirmative action. How long did it take for African American candidates to be admitted to American seminaries, to be welcome to sit with non-Black congregants, to serve as Bishops?
The evil of racial prejudice as well as ethnic prejudice - all examples of eurocentric hegemony - have caused and continue to cause suffering for the Church and for those so slighted."
There are few things as an African American that I find more patronizing than "affirmative action" It's as if to say, what I have done on my merits is not good enough! One can't legislate kindness towards neighbour (as hard as we may try sometimes). Maybe I'm a bit strange, but I've never needed a person to "look like me" to be an example, or even to pursue all the things. (I'm a physicist and mathematician)....
I have much more respect for the racist who is up front with their views, rather than, those who use the means of compassion to hide their true feelings.
The above said, phyletism is a heresy, and a problem, but not to the degree that SJW's would like to think.
The ONLY thing the USCCB should be engaging in is PRAYER AND PENANCE!.
If the presence of Christ God isn't enough to make someone feel welcome, I hardly think a human will do a better job thatn God Himself.
There are plenty of "Black Saints" from St Monica, St Augustine, to St Moses the black. The last thing the canonization process needs to become is just some political process (Oh wait, we're already there). If they wish to make an icon of her, the least they can do is make it traditional.
Blogger John Nolan said... The USCCB has said they need more 'African American' saints. So the canonization process is to be another example of 'affirmative action' in a nation which seems obsessed with racial issues.
It's rather embarrassing to me that they're so obsessed with these issues. The 2nd great commandment is to love thy neighbour as thyself. It's rather simple, but kindness can't be legislated. The USCCB needs to focus on getting their acts together, and standing up to the pope. Not transforming the canonization process into affirmative action or a political process, I am with you on this.
Fr. Kavanaugh said: ".. it should be expected that the USCCB should engage in affirmative action."
Father, I do not want a Church that is built upon the sand of shifting political ideologies and movements. I want the Church that is built upon the rock of Jesus Christ. Please don't promote your new political church as if it is the true Catholic Church.
Looking for potential saints based on skin color is kind of backwards, and myopic. When the political winds change, so will the value of the virtues cited as a cause for declaring Thea Bowman a saint. She may be a saint, but I think the promotion of her cause is questionable if it is because she was black.
This using of the Church to further a political agenda is a really good reason to wait 200 or 300 years before someone is even considered for sainthood.
I put the term 'African American' in inverted commas since it is merely the latest PC euphemism which will no doubt be superseded in the future. After Nelson Mandela was released he was interviewed by a female American TV journalist who wanted to ask him about his experience as a black South African under the apartheid regime.
She instinctively reached for the 'correct' term, and asked him 'How did you, as an African American ...'
Poor Nelson was understandably bewildered. 'I'm an African. I'm not an American.' it was a moment of pure comedy.
I am proud to be labelled a 'eurocentric hegemonist' and if 'lesser breeds without the law' feel slighted, I don't give a tuppenny damn. To be born English is to win first prize in the lottery of life. And a good definition of Englishness was given by a regular army officer who was training major in my University OTC. 'My mother was Irish, my father Scottish and I was born in India, which makes me as English as it is possible to get'.
A Frenchman once said to Lord Palmerston, intending it to be highly complimentary: 'If I were not a Frenchman, I would wish to be an Englishman.' Pam replied: 'Sir, if I were not an Englishman, I would wish to be an Englishman.'
This is Sister early in her religious life:
This is Sister after Vatican II and when she became well known in the Church in the 1980's: 
I find the holy card rather interesting. How about you?
27 comments:
The artistic quality makes me want to kneel.... right next to the toilet.
Because, of course, your opinion regarding what is "artistic quality" is, or should be, shared by everyone.
The image for the holy card was taken from the first photograph, where she is dressed in her pre-V2 habit. The artistic style is purposefully innocent and lighthearted, I don't know if that is interpretation of her personality or not.I have not read much of her story. That artistic style is obviously strongly linked to post-V2. Is the glass half full or half empty? I guess everyone is going to see something different in that card.
"I find the holy card rather interesting. How about you?"
Gosh A, I kind of thought opinions were being solicited. So nice of you to comment on every comment.
I like the format. It isn't sappy, saccharine, maudlin, or slushy. It's appropriate to St. Thea who I heard speak three times. She was dynamic and cheerful and a beacon of hope, even in her illness.
About her, Christopher Pramuck wrote, "Arguably no person in recent memory did more to resist and transform the sad legacy of segregation and racism in the Catholic Church than Thea Bowman ... who inspired millions with her singing and message of God's love for all races and faiths. Sister Thea awakened a sense of fellowship in people both within and well beyond the Catholic world, first and foremost through her charismatic presence."
"Sr." not "St." !
Didn't mean to rush things.
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. another instant saint
Bee here:
I think the "holy" card looks like a comic book drawing...or a caricature. But I guess the "new" Church is going for "informal" and avoiding depicting someone who is supposed to be a saint with dignity and bearing.
What would have been wrong with using an actual photograph of her?
I think the card looks like it is drawn for children.
God bless.
Bee
Just another Vatican II Saint to be. Hey when will John Paul I be made a saint that way all Vatican II popes will be saints.
Wow what a church we have today.
Lord please put an end to this madness.
The creators of the card were trying to capture something of Sister Thea's spirit. What Can be fairly said of her is that she was on fire with the love of God.
She's right up their with Joan of Arc and Thomas More. Remind me, where was she burned or beheaded, I can't seem to remember. Ersatz
Remind me where St. Thomas Aquinas or St. Charles Borromeo or St. Katherine Drexel or hundreds of others among the canonized were burned or beheaded.
Not all Saints died a martyr's death.
Ersatz complaint.
That style of art is distracting. What are they trying to communicate?
Anonymous, I think TJM has in mind the general "blandening" of all things Catholic. The Mass, the teaching, the saints.... I don't think he was implying that all saints die a martyrs death, but thanks for your input.
Dan, TJM complained that Thea Bowman did not die a martyr's death as Joan of Arc and Thomas More did. As such, in his mind, her cause is "ersatz." (I suspect he knows little or nothing about Sr Thea, and that his comments is, as usual, nothing more that venting.)
I reminded him that not all Saints die a martyr's death.
You're most welcome.
I admit I know nothing about her, and this is an opportunity to look into her story.
But I do agree there needs to be a moratorium on canonisations. The hierarchical church has about zero credibility on anything, and the recent bogus canonisation of Paul VI made it less than zero. If I were Thea, I wouldn't want to be canonised with this bunch. And if they did it anyway, I'd definitely appeal.
The USCCB has said they need more 'African American' saints. So the canonization process is to be another example of 'affirmative action' in a nation which seems obsessed with racial issues.
As for the prayer card, it's quite sweet in a childish way. It's not a definitive document and anyone who wants to produce a 'better' one is at liberty to do so.
Inasmuch as African American (no need for quotes) candidates for sainthood were routinely overlooked ("Can anything good come from Nazareth?") it should be expected that the USCCB should engage in affirmative action. How long did it take for African American candidates to be admitted to American seminaries, to be welcome to sit with non-Black congregants, to serve as Bishops?
The evil of racial prejudice as well as ethnic prejudice - all examples of eurocentric hegemony - have caused and continue to cause suffering for the Church and for those so slighted.
it's quite sweet in a childish way
It fits right in with the V2 mentality, would even be easy to make into a felt banner.just like a lot of the sentimental "religious" art I was exposed to in the 70's, the gift shop at the Maria Stein Shrine of the Holy Relics used to overflow with the crap, Oh and macrame, lots and lots of macrame
Kavanaugh,
This is pure crap, politicizing religion. And that my friend, is why the Catholic Church, a once great and universal Church is on life support. There are plenty of Black saints, and you know it. Is a "transgender or gay" saint in the cue yet?
Another example, we needed to make the clergy more "inclusive" by admitting perverts to its ranks. And the innocent laity suffered. Until you are pushed into the tumbril, you will never get it.
American Black Saints, TJM?
Are you really that incapable of understanding?
And if you want to to see the tragedy of politicizing the Faith, look to the Church in Central and South America. A conservative Church backed an oppressive government and or oligarchy and look St generations of the faithful as a result
"Fr. Michael J. Kavanaugh said...
Inasmuch as African American (no need for quotes) candidates for sainthood were routinely overlooked ("Can anything good come from Nazareth?") it should be expected that the USCCB should engage in affirmative action. How long did it take for African American candidates to be admitted to American seminaries, to be welcome to sit with non-Black congregants, to serve as Bishops?
The evil of racial prejudice as well as ethnic prejudice - all examples of eurocentric hegemony - have caused and continue to cause suffering for the Church and for those so slighted."
There are few things as an African American that I find more patronizing than "affirmative action" It's as if to say, what I have done on my merits is not good enough! One can't legislate kindness towards neighbour (as hard as we may try sometimes). Maybe I'm a bit strange, but I've never needed a person to "look like me" to be an example, or even to pursue all the things. (I'm a physicist and mathematician)....
I have much more respect for the racist who is up front with their views, rather than, those who use the means of compassion to hide their true feelings.
The above said, phyletism is a heresy, and a problem, but not to the degree that SJW's would like to think.
The ONLY thing the USCCB should be engaging in is PRAYER AND PENANCE!.
If the presence of Christ God isn't enough to make someone feel welcome, I hardly think a human will do a better job thatn God Himself.
There are plenty of "Black Saints" from St Monica, St Augustine, to St Moses the black. The last thing the canonization process needs to become is just some political process (Oh wait, we're already there). If they wish to make an icon of her, the least they can do is make it traditional.
Blogger John Nolan said...
The USCCB has said they need more 'African American' saints. So the canonization process is to be another example of 'affirmative action' in a nation which seems obsessed with racial issues.
It's rather embarrassing to me that they're so obsessed with these issues. The 2nd great commandment is to love thy neighbour as thyself. It's rather simple, but kindness can't be legislated. The USCCB needs to focus on getting their acts together, and standing up to the pope. Not transforming the canonization process into affirmative action or a political process, I am with you on this.
Plenty of saints coming our way: Dorothy Day, Martin Luther, James Martin SJ...
Well said, Bee.
Bee here:
Fr. Kavanaugh said: ".. it should be expected that the USCCB should engage in affirmative action."
Father, I do not want a Church that is built upon the sand of shifting political ideologies and movements. I want the Church that is built upon the rock of Jesus Christ. Please don't promote your new political church as if it is the true Catholic Church.
Looking for potential saints based on skin color is kind of backwards, and myopic. When the political winds change, so will the value of the virtues cited as a cause for declaring Thea Bowman a saint. She may be a saint, but I think the promotion of her cause is questionable if it is because she was black.
This using of the Church to further a political agenda is a really good reason to wait 200 or 300 years before someone is even considered for sainthood.
God bless.
Bee
Fr MJK
I put the term 'African American' in inverted commas since it is merely the latest PC euphemism which will no doubt be superseded in the future. After Nelson Mandela was released he was interviewed by a female American TV journalist who wanted to ask him about his experience as a black South African under the apartheid regime.
She instinctively reached for the 'correct' term, and asked him 'How did you, as an African American ...'
Poor Nelson was understandably bewildered. 'I'm an African. I'm not an American.' it was a moment of pure comedy.
I am proud to be labelled a 'eurocentric hegemonist' and if 'lesser breeds without the law' feel slighted, I don't give a tuppenny damn. To be born English is to win first prize in the lottery of life. And a good definition of Englishness was given by a regular army officer who was training major in my University OTC. 'My mother was Irish, my father Scottish and I was born in India, which makes me as English as it is possible to get'.
A Frenchman once said to Lord Palmerston, intending it to be highly complimentary: 'If I were not a Frenchman, I would wish to be an Englishman.' Pam replied: 'Sir, if I were not an Englishman, I would wish to be an Englishman.'
He is an Englishman!
For he himself has said it,
and it's greatly to his credit,
that he is an Englishman!
That he is an Englishman!
For he might have been a Roosian,
a French, or Turk, or Proosian,
or perhaps Itali-an!
Or perhaps Itali-an!
But in spite of all temptations
to belong to other nations,
he remains an Englishman!
he remains an Englishman!"
Let's all polish up the handle of that big front door...
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