EWTN Global Catholic Network is marking the tenth anniversary of its foundress, Mother Angelica, with a commemorative Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome on March 27.
The remembrance comes as EWTN continues to serve millions worldwide through its Catholic media platforms. The network was founded by Mother Angelica, a member of the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration, who started EWTN from a monastery garage in Alabama in 1980. Since then, it has grown into what it describes as the largest Catholic media organization globally.
Mother Angelica died at age 92 on March 27, 2016—Easter Sunday—after complications from a stroke. Her legacy endures through daily Masses and devotions broadcast for the sick and homebound, original films for various audiences, and programs like “Mother Angelica Live Classics.” Michael P. Warsaw, EWTN Chairman of the Board and CEO said: “Mother Angelica loved the beauty and grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica and wanted only the best for her beloved, Jesus Christ. It’s fitting that we honor her memory and commitment to sharing truth, beauty, and goodness with the world at a place that points all people toward the transcendent. While we all still miss her every day, her deep love of Our Lord resonates in the walls of the studios in Irondale still, as much as her laugh on YouTube, social media, and the new EWTN platforms inspire new audiences that encounter her story and advice.”
Born Rita Antoinette Rizzo in Ohio in 1923 before becoming Sister Mary Angelica of the Annunciation after joining religious life there, she later established Our Lady of Angels Monastery in Irondale following what she described as a remarkable healing experience. She supported early work through sales such as fishing lures and roasted peanuts before launching Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN), which became America’s first Catholic satellite TV channel.
Kathryn Jean Lopez from National Review said: “Mother Angelica was a joy and inspiration – a gift to the United States and the world over. I was blessed to meet her, interviewing her early in my journalistic career…the Eucharist was her reason for living – holding on for so long in reparation for her sins and the sins of the whole world.” The network is honoring this milestone with live broadcasts including special programming such as “Remembering Mother Angelica: 10 Years Later,” available across EWTN’s television channels along with digital platforms like YouTube.
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