Lead Me, Guide Me
For over three decades, Sister Thea Bowman has influenced Bro. Mickey McGrath’s life, both as an Oblate and as an artist.
He first encountered Sister Thea in the early 90s when struggling with the deaths of his parents and seeking a ministry that he felt truly connected to. It was Sister Thea’s story and influence that transformed his artwork and inspired him to truly BE an artist, not just teach art. After watching a video about Sister Theo, Bro. Mickey recalls that he couldn’t sleep that night: “The next morning I got up and started painting, and I didn’t stop for two weeks.”
Since then he has collected newspaper articles, letters, and research on Sister Thea and created many images inspired by her. He has hosted exhibits featuring her at the Sheen Gallery in New York, entitled “Servants of God, Prophets of Joy” and “Heavenly Bound.” Bro. Mickey has delivered presentations and retreats on Thea and his work featuring her for years.
In February, he traveled to Jackson, Mississippi, to attend the special liturgy formally concluding the diocesan phase of Sister Thea’s cause for sainthood at the Cathedral of Saint Peter the Apostle — her home cathedral. The Closing Ceremony officially sealed the acts of the diocesan phase of the steps to canonization.
Humbled by a request from the archivist of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, Bro. Mickey scanned 47 pieces of his artwork inspired by her words, witness, and story. Those works were included in one of 10 boxes sent to Rome as part of the materials under review to advance Sister Thea’s cause toward the venerable stage in the canonization process.
“Lead Me, Guide Me” is one of Bro. Mickey’s favorite spirituals he has come to know and love through Sister Thea’s inspiration. Over the years, those four simple words have become his personal prayer, especially in moments of stress and uncertainty. May we remember those words in our times of need.
We pray for the canonization of Sister Thea as her cause continues forward.
Read Bro. Mickey’s article in Catholic Star Herald: https://catholicstarherald.org/sister-thea-artwork-sent-to-rome-to-boost-cause-for-canonization/
Bro. Mickey “Talking Catholic” Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/episode/45JIeilmVZr3m1NazkUphX?mc_cid=ddd9bee498&mc_eid=383d23dae7