Bishop Joseph Oliver Bowers of Dominica passes on

Bishop Bowers

The Catholic community in Dominica is now in mourning following the passing of Bishop Joseph Oliver Bowers.

He died on Monday in Accra, Ghana at the age of 102.

Bishop Bowers is from humble beginnings. He was born in Massacre, on March 28, 1910 to Sheriff Montague Bowers (originally from Antigua) and his wife Mary Bowers.

He went to the Dominica Grammar School before he moved to the United States to attend St. Augustine Seminary, in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi where he studied for the priesthood.

He was ordained a priest on January 22, 1939 and bishop in 1953. He was  the first black person in the United States to be ordained bishop. After ordination he went to Ghana where he did most of his ministry.

Bishop Bowers founded the congregation of the Sisters of the Handmaids of the Divine Redeemer (HDR) in Accra in 1957, which was dedicated to caring and comforting the poor. He also started a school, which is named after him to this day.

He is also the founder of St John College and Seminary presently known as Pope John Senior High School and Minor Seminary, one of the best high schools in Ghana.

In recognition and acknowledgement of his pioneering work in Ghana, when the diocese of St. John’s-Basseterre in the West Indies was created in 1971 – comprising the islands of Antigua-Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, Montserrat, Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands – Bowers was appointed its first bishop on January 16, 1971, becoming the chief pastor in Antigua.

On July 17, 1981, he retired and after spending some time in Charlestown, Nevis, returned to Dominica, where he lived in Mahaut in the care of his sister, Blossom Ann Reid.

In the 1990’s the HDR Sisters, some of whom had periodically visited him in Dominica, invited him back to Ghana where he lived with them until he died on Monday.

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52 Comments

  1. philme
    November 10, 2012

    may he RIP many Dominicans doing very good away from home nothing wrong with this it’s what those in Dominica should be looking up to those that’s away.stop the killing and drugs!

  2. Reflection
    November 7, 2012

    Dear Admin

    Please try to speed up the return of the “Thumbs up” and “Thumbs down” mechanism because it is so much easier to click to agree with something already well said, than to write an exact or similar sentiment/comment.

  3. william
    November 7, 2012

    I believe Bishop Bowers got an award during one of the Independence celebration if am not mistaken where his niece Mrs.Lawrence received this award on his behalf.
    RIP you are with the angels in PARADISE.

  4. Justice and Truth
    November 7, 2012

    I knew the Bowers family very well. They are (were) prominent people in Mahaut, Les Pointe and Massacre.
    The father, Teacher Bowers was a Head Teacher of the Massacre school. He also played the organ at the Massacre Church until he retired. I met him through my parents. What a respectable man. My father had great respect for him, the entire family.
    A few times that the Archbishop visited Dominica concerts were arranged for him, in his honour. As a very young child, then in elementary school I was one of those who was invited to participate in the concert. I was honored.
    His brother who was married to Joan Sorhaindo and residing in Toronto passed away. I attended his funeral. His sister Blossom Bowers-Reid and daughter, Irma attended the funeral.
    When I visited Dominica after this occasion, I telephoned his sister, Blossom Reid, now departed. She told me that her brother, Archbishop Bowers is in Dominica. I asked to speak to him. Obviously, he did not know me. He knows my parents. I told him I would like to visit him to get his blessing. I may have stated this through the Holy Spirit. I told him that I could visit on the Sunday after Holy Mass. That Sunday my family and I had a luncheon appointment. This was a busy day for us. Later that evening I was invited to a Healing Mass at the Roseau Cathedral.
    A friend and I visited him on the Sunday. He specifically dressed in his Bishop Regalia for this occasion. He prayed over us and blest us. He said, if you were not so busy, I would give you a longer blessing.
    Prior to leaving Dominica, I telephoned him and thanked him again for his blessing. I have not forgotten that, as I related to his niece, Joan’s daughter.
    These are fond memories of this family and Archbishop Bowers.
    My heartfelt sympathy to Tots (daughter of Blossom), as she was called when we were children – Irma Doctrove-Lawrence and family. Wendel Lawrence is my cousin. We have many cousins, some who keep in touch and others whom we have lost touch with. Nevertheless, they are our relatives and nothing can erase that.
    My heartfelt sympathy also to Joan and family. I know that Archbishop Bowers is resting in God’s glory and peace in Heaven. His life was dedicated to serving the Lord.
    Eternal rest grant unto Archbishop Bowers, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen!
    May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, rest in peace. Amen!
    Archbishop Bowers, please pray for Dominica, resident nationals and those of us Dominicans who are abroad. In Jesus Name! May God be praised.
    I will also place his name in the Book of Life in Church. God knows that through his godly works, that his name is already written in the Book of Life. God bless your soul for serving him throughout your life.
    This is my simple biography of Archbishop Bowers. R.I.P. humble and faithful one.

    • Stacie Laudat
      March 8, 2024

      Hi Justice and Truth.
      A very nice piece written on the Bowers family. Would you know if there are any relative alive for the family that can be contacted. Doing a bit of research on the family.

      Thank you in advance

  5. Anonymous
    November 7, 2012

    Dear Editor,

    You may want to take a look at this in light of what you wrote about Bishop Bowers. A US priest brought this to my attention today.
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Augustine_Healy

    • Susan
      December 17, 2012

      There is no controversy there. Bishop Bowers was the first BLACK Bishop ordained in the US; and Bishop Healy was the first African American..see the difference?

  6. african queen
    November 7, 2012

    well lol@mr dorival john,if you were close to me i would have hug you 1oo times.what a set of shallow minded people you don’t have to do anything his country to get praise as long as he was doing it somewhere else is fine with me.may he rest in peace.

  7. Anonymous
    November 6, 2012

    It is a pity he could not enjoy his retirement in his home land on his peaceful mountain side in Mahaut. He chose to return to Ghana………….i wonder why????????

    • Melanie Scott
      December 31, 2012

      He returned to Ghana because he was bored and wanted to return to missionary work. He was called and he answered. How do I know this? Because the Bishop was my 3rd cousin (my grandfather’s first cousin) and was very close to my mother. I last saw him in the 70s when my mother prevailed upon me to sing some of my original songs for him. He complimented me, but questioned some of the lyrics. (specifically of a song called “Leaving Memories”). None of his countrymen should feel slighted because the Bishop chose to live out his life in Accra. He did not only what he wanted, but what he was called by God to do.

  8. Anonymous
    November 6, 2012

    sympathies to the Bowers family in Mahaut and the Lawrences as well

  9. Dorival John
    November 6, 2012

    Here is something I learnt from someone in the know…when Bishop wanted to become a priest he applied to a congregation known as the Redemptorist but was turned down. So he decided to join another The Society of the Divine Word and was accepted. Since that congregation did not work in the Caribbean or Dominica, he could not be assigned here, hence his assignment in Ghana.

    Can you imagine if he was accepted by the first congregation?

    Very interesting.

    • Justice and Truth
      November 7, 2012

      @ Dorival

      As a practicing Catholic, I am aware of this. I heard about it. He must have emotionally suffered for this without saying a word.
      Archbishop Bowers was too pious and humble to make an issue out of it. He was a genuine Christian Catholic Archbishop. This is why he went to Ghana. The people of Accra, Ghana loved him. He was instrumental in bringing Christianity to them, for those who accept it.
      In those days there was a lot of discrimination against blacks. Think also of the whites in South Africa. I have always stated how could those people be practicing Christians and discriminate against people of color. My feeling is that some of them are burning and rotting in Hell. God bless his soul. R.I.P. Bishop Bowers.

  10. Man of Action
    November 6, 2012

    WHy is it i NEver heard of this man?
    That was some good work he did… Even though not in Dominica, but he was a Minister Of God, so he had to go out and do his work….

    Wish he had gotten some sort of recognition in Dominica… My country

    Rest in Peace Father

    • Justice and Truth
      November 7, 2012

      @ Man of Action

      I agree with you. Even when he returned to Dominica to retire. He was left to himself; ignored. It is so sad. But then again he was a quiet, humble person and no doubt lonely and missing his beloved Ghana. A few years ago I heard that the Sisters (they) came for him and brought him back to Ghana where he had spent much of his life.

  11. Peace
    November 6, 2012

    Bishop Bowers did God’s work his calling was in Ghana even if he did’nt work to much for his country but the Goverment should recongize him

    • Justice and Truth
      November 7, 2012

      @ Peace

      Not only the government but primarily the Catholic Diocese of Roseau.

  12. dortyboy
    November 6, 2012

    wow! this man should be recognized in Dominica. he has done great work. just because his work does not include Dominica does not mean he should not be recognized. there are tons of foreigners who live in Dominica doing great work for our country also.

  13. Pondera
    November 6, 2012

    Wasn’t this wonderful? That those whom he served came to seek him to show him love? I can hear from their heart saying to Bishop Bowers, “Come over to Ghana with us since you deserve every onze of our affection.” Great love demonstrated by the Ghanian Sisters. My Sympathy to the Catholic Community.

    • Justice and Truth
      November 7, 2012

      @ Pondera

      “ounce”

      They loved him because he did a lot for them. He was a really loving person.

  14. Gerald La Touche JP
    November 6, 2012

    May your soul now rest in peace Bishop Bowers – you inspired generations and made me proud as a Dominican and as a Black man. I first heard of Bishop Bowers from my Ghanaian friends here in the UK when they realised that I was Dominican. I give thanks to the Sisters of the Handmaids of the Divine Redeemer (HDR) in Accra Ghana for the love and respect with which they cared for Bishop Bowers – for their devotion, and the appreciation that they showed for his contribution to the development of their society. We give thanks – God bless.

  15. Wander
    November 6, 2012

    My sweet dominica what are u doing for dominica

    • MY sweet Dominica
      November 6, 2012

      Exactly what he did not do in Dominica , Pay my taxes to help in developing Dominica , doing work in my community and helping the less fortunate where i have lived my entire life , Thank you .

      • Justice and Truth
        November 7, 2012

        @ Wander and My Sweet Dominica

        In order to comprehend why he resided in Ghana, you must know the full story and from those who knew him and heard of him. Otherwise, hold your tongue, peace and your fingers to the keyboard. Do not comment on what you do not know. This is the first mistake some people as you make. Keep in mind that God is taking note of all what we say and do for our judgment, even right on this earth and then when we die for all eternity. Some of you lack this enlightenment. Pray to God for this.

  16. MY sweet Dominica
    November 6, 2012

    so my question is , what work do he do in Dominica ? because i am reading that he was born ,raised and went to school in Dominica and then move on and did all of his work abroad. what was his contribution to Dominica? beside being know as the first black to be ordained bishop in America , coming form Dominica ? I am asking because it breaks my heart to know that he died at 102 years did all those things in the other countries and as far as i have read i saw nothing that he did for Dominica . I am sorry if others take offense , but that’s my opinion .

    • me
      November 6, 2012

      He has fulfilled the mission that god has placed him here to do. My wish is that you do the same. He did not work for earthly rewards and recognition but he worked in order to help build god’s kingdom. That was his purpose and he did it.

    • Dorival John
      November 6, 2012

      Bon Jay, Dominicans narrow minded eh. The man did a lot for humanity, for the broader human race. When he was ordained as the first black bishop in 1953 Time Magazine ran a story about it because of the historical value and Dominica was mentioned in there.. he put Dominica on the map way back then.

      What you want him to do? Sit on the road side giving out sweetie?

      Stop thinking narrowly. A Dominican doesn’t have to be great by working in Dominica alone. He can serve the bigger brotherhood and sisterhood of humanity.

      Sometimes I am embarrassed reading some of these comments. SMH

      • In agreement
        November 6, 2012

        Amen!

      • Reader
        November 7, 2012

        Amen!

      • Justice and Truth
        November 7, 2012

        There is a Dominican Website which posted information about his life. I read it a few years ago. Try to access it. You should know how many DA Websites there are.

    • hmm
      November 6, 2012

      What r u doing for Dominica

      • Anonymous
        November 6, 2012

        you are too small-minded to understand how the grace of God works in the world.

    • Jahyout
      November 6, 2012

      Yes I overstand what you are saying but the world was opened up to him and he did his best to serve it full heartedly…

      • Justice and Truth
        November 7, 2012

        @ Jayhout

        The correct word is, “I understand.”
        ‘Not overstand.’ There is no such word in the English language.
        I agree with you. He did his best to fulfill his calling wherever he resided. This is enough for our God and has pleased our God. God was not blind to whatever happened to him and wherever he worked. He did well for the Ghanian people. God has rewarded him for this.

    • Tri-State Beauty
      November 7, 2012

      @My Sweet Dominica, maybe you should have informed yourself of what he did for Dominica before masking negativity into an ill fated question. Maybe you should know how much aid he solicited and brought to Dominica particularly after hurricane David, most notably a following of volunteer African nurses. Maybe you should ask St Vincent de Pores Society about the on going intl contribution they recieve to feed the poor, needy, homeless and aged in Dominica, or the books he got donated to the public library. I’m just saying because he wasn’t running around look at me, see me, I need a photo or press-con to give a sweetie doesn’t mean all he did was come from Dominica. He returned home, but the people of Ghana adored him, he lived and worked with them so the sisters decided to come back for him.

      Furthermore he served GODS people and that is what is important he did what he was called upon to do, now you are all sweetened up on Dominica, having had your fill, can you tell us what you are giving back?

      • Justice and Truth
        November 7, 2012

        @ Tri-State Beauty

        You are so correct. People as Archbishop Bowers would never advertise the good that He did for Dominica and elsewhere.
        Recall what Our Lord said about those who broadcast to everyone what they did, “They have already received their reward.” This means, they will not receive a heavenly reward. You know where their souls will be for all eternity.

  17. missy
    November 6, 2012

    Joan and Liz, accept my sympathy. Your uncle, and brother-in-law lived a long and wonderful life. GOD BLESS

  18. November 6, 2012

    R.I.P my dear bishop.ii may have not known you but from what i have read you were a great man.a job well done.

  19. imjustsaying
    November 6, 2012

    To God be the glory great things He has done.

    May he rest in eternal peace

  20. Tri-Sate Beauty
    November 6, 2012

    May his soul rest in peace. A truly peaceful and outstanding Dominican. Fly on home son of man

  21. T mama
    November 6, 2012

    Rest in Peace our dear Bishop Bowers….sympathy to Irma Lawrence and family in Mahaut and the catholic community…he did alot in Africa (Ghana)..

  22. KHG
    November 6, 2012

    May you rest in Peace. I have know him as a little girl when he would visit from Antigua. We would love going to his sister’s house where he would always have some goodies for us. Very humble man.

  23. neutral
    November 6, 2012

    may your soul rest in peace. you were a great and humble man. You were an example for all.

  24. Anonymous
    November 6, 2012

    It would have been nice to read of his contribution to his homeland, Dominica and not just his lasting impact on Ghana.

    • Anonymous
      November 6, 2012

      He was an ambassador for his country Dominica…. I am sure people in Ghana whom he touched only have positive things to say about DA. Hope that gives you some peace of mind :-)

  25. bee
    November 6, 2012

    May you rest in peace Bishop Bowers.

  26. Let night take
    November 6, 2012

    Wow!! What a fulfilling life. May his soul rest in peace.

  27. Anonymous
    November 6, 2012

    life well spend ow rest gentle in the arms of the Lord

  28. Shameless
    November 6, 2012

    RIP Uncle B! May the angels carry your soul home to the heavenly father. I know he has a place reserved for you for this was the promise he made to us all. :(

    Assertive, NOT Agressive!

  29. evenhanded
    November 6, 2012

    A good soul. A true disciple of Christ and wonderful sheperd of His people who served unaffected by the bishopric trappings and pompous rituals.An exemplar.May he find eternal peace.

  30. SlowlyButSurely
    November 6, 2012

    May his soul rest in peace for all the great things he has done!

  31. On Looker
    November 6, 2012

    You have worked hard Bishop Bowers, you have done well. May the gates of heaven welcome your spirit. You were indeed a great man.

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