The movement to canonize Servant of God Sr. Thea Bowman, FSPA—teacher, evangelizer, and one of the most influential Catholic voices of the 20th century—has reached an important milestone, with the Redemptorists playing a key role in telling her story and promoting her cause for sainthood.

Recently, Fr. Kevin Zubel, C.Ss.R., traveled to Jackson, Mississippi, to participate in the formal conclusion of the diocesan phase of Sr. Thea’s canonization process. This step marks the completion of the local Church’s investigation into her life, virtues, and reputation for holiness. The documentation gathered in the Diocese of Jackson will now be sent to the Vatican, where the next phase of discernment will begin.

The life and witness of Sr. Thea continue to reach new audiences through the powerful documentary Going Home Like a Shooting Star: Thea Bowman’s Journey to Sainthood, available on YouTube. Redemptorist Fr. Maurice Nutt, C.Ss.R., served as associate producer and biographer for the film, bringing both pastoral insight and deep historical knowledge to the project. His long-standing commitment to sharing Sr. Thea’s story helps illuminate her enduring impact on the Church in the United States.

The documentary weaves together archival footage, music, personal testimony, and interviews to present a vivid portrait of Sr. Thea’s life—from her conversion to Catholicism as a child, to her work in education and intercultural ministry, to her courageous witness in the face of terminal illness. Viewers encounter a woman whose joyful faith, love for the Gospel, and commitment to racial reconciliation continue to inspire Catholics today.