Francesca Thompson facts for kids

Sister Francesca Thompson (born April 29, 1932) is an American nun. She belongs to the Sisters of St. Francis in Oldenburg, Indiana. She became a very important teacher and expert in theater and African-American studies.

Early Life and Education

Growing Up in Indianapolis

Francesca Thompson was born Edeve Thompson in 1932. Her birthplace was Los Angeles, California. Her parents, Evelyn Preer and Edward Thompson, were famous actors. They starred in silent films and vaudeville shows in the 1910s and 1920s. Sadly, her mother passed away the same year Francesca was born. Her father then moved to Indianapolis, Indiana, where Francesca grew up.

Overcoming School Segregation

When it was time for high school, Thompson faced a big problem. Laws called racial segregation laws kept Black students from attending many schools in Indianapolis. Even though her family was Episcopalian, she chose a different path. She enrolled at Immaculate Conception (St. Mary's) Academy. This was the only private school in the area that accepted Black students. It was in Oldenburg, Indiana, and run by the Franciscan Sisters. Today, it is known as Oldenburg Academy.

Joining the Catholic Church

While at St. Mary's Academy, Thompson decided to become a Roman Catholic. Her father was against it at first, but she convinced him. After graduating in 1950, she decided to join the Franciscan sisters who had taught her. Again, her father was not happy. He only agreed after she promised to travel to Europe with a group of students. During this trip, she met Pope Pius XII. This meeting seemed to confirm her decision to become a nun.

Career and Teaching

Becoming a Franciscan Sister

Thompson joined the Franciscan Sisters in 1950. She became a novitiate that same year. The next year, she made her first religious vows. She also received her religious habit (the special clothing nuns wear) and her new name, Francesca. In 1954, she made her perpetual vows. This meant she would be a Franciscan Sister forever. Her leaders sent her to teach at St. Mary's Academy. At the same time, she worked on her bachelor's degree at Marian College (now Marian University). She earned her degree in 1960. After that, she was assigned to teach at a school in Cincinnati, Ohio. This school was run by her religious community.

Advanced Studies and Mentoring

While teaching in Cincinnati, Thompson spent her summers studying. She worked on her master's degree at Xavier University. In 1964, she earned a degree in education. Her focus was on communications. She then got permission to study for a doctorate in theater. She attended the University of Michigan and received her doctorate in 1966. While teaching there, she helped train famous actors. These included Christine Lahti and Gilda Radner. After that, she began teaching at Marian College. She became the chairwoman of the Department of Theater and Speech.

Professor and Dean

In 1982, Thompson became an associate professor at Fordham University. She taught African American studies. She also served as an assistant dean and director for multicultural programs. In 2002, Fordham University honored her. They gave her an honorary Doctorate in Fine Arts.

Important Contributions

In 1987, she gave a speech at the first National Black Catholic Congress. This event was a new version of the Colored Catholic Congress. That earlier congress was started by Daniel Rudd a century before. Sister Thompson also served on the nominating committee for the Tony Awards. These awards celebrate excellence in Broadway theater. She retired in 2005. She then moved to the motherhouse of her religious community in Oldenburg.