Howard University Catholic Ministry Celebrates Opening of Sr. Thea Bowman Catholic Student Center
The Howard University Catholic Ministry celebrated a significant milestone with the opening of the Sr. Thea Bowman Catholic Student Center, marking a historic achievement among HBCUs. The center, located off-campus, provides a designated space for students to study Catholicism and engage with their peers in a supportive community.
After more than 20 years since the closure of the Newman Center, the Sr. Thea Bowman Student Center welcomed over 50 alumni, current students, practicing members of the faith, and Howard faculty to commemorate its establishment. Only a handful of HBCUs have a Catholic campus ministry, with even fewer having a designated student center, making this achievement all the more noteworthy.
The center features three levels, including offices for clergy members, study areas, and the St. Augustine Library. The library, stocked with books donated by Father Joseph Wimmer O.S.A. and the Augustinians, offers students a quiet space to engage in Catholic studies and deepen their understanding of the faith.
Former Archbishop of Washington, D.C., Cardinal Donald Wuerl, along with other prominent figures, helped raise funding for the center’s establishment. The center was named after Sister Thea Bowman, a pioneering African-American Catholic educator known for her devotion to Catholicism and advocacy for Black Catholics.
The opening of the Sr. Thea Bowman Catholic Student Center represents a significant step forward for the HU Bison Catholic ministry, providing students with a sense of community and belonging. Father Robert Boxie, the current Catholic Chaplain at Howard, hopes that the center will serve as a welcoming space for all students to fellowship and explore their faith.
With the legacy of Sister Thea Bowman guiding their efforts, the members of the Howard University Catholic Ministry are excited to continue fostering engagement in Catholic studies and creating a safe, inclusive space for students to come together.