She is one of the most prominent figures of the Catholic Church in the United States, and is the founder of the world-famous Eternal Word Television Network.

Mother Angelica was not only a simple and devoted Clare contemplative nun but also an extraordinary person who made many great contributions to society. It can be said that her whole life and tireless dedication have become a source of inspiration for many people.

In 1981, Mother Angelica founded Eternal Word Television (EWTV). The first broadcast was done in the convent’s garage. EWTV started with just 20 employees and now has 400. After 34 years of operation, the channel is broadcasting 24/7 with 11 separate channels in multiple languages, broadcasting in 145 countries and territories.

EWTV broadcasts via satellite and has expanded into many areas, including the National Catholic Register and Catholic News Agency. “Mother Angelica Live,” which began in 1983, is a favorite of many. “Mother Angelica has been and will always be the face of EWTN,” said Michael Warsaw, EWTN President and CEO. “We thank God for Mother Angelica and her wonderful legacy.”

A recording session of EWTV channel

“Mother Angelica has been successful in her mission of evangelization in the service of God,” said Archbishop Charles Chaput of Philadelphia, who has served on the EWTN board since 1995. “She has created and developed a communications system that is accessible to all Christians, understands their needs, and nourishes their hearts.”

CHILDHOOD

What television cannot portray is Mother Angelica’s life, which was full of ups and downs. Few people would have guessed that Mother Angelica was born and raised in a family with many events. Her life was marked by many challenges, her parents divorced when she was 6. Mother Angelica shared in an interview: “And that’s when hell began. My mother and I were both desperate, moving from place to place, poor and hungry, barely surviving.”

It seemed that Mother Angelica’s life never stopped receiving challenges. Around the age of 16, she began to suffer from constant stomach pain for a long time. At the age of 20, she visited Rhoda Wise, a famous area where miraculous healings were said to occur. She then prayed for nine days in a row, hoping to be healed there. She recovered and was cured. She believed that God had chosen her and began to pray. The seeds of her vocation were planted there. At the age of 21, Mother Angelica joined the Poor Clares in Cleveland and took the name Mary Angelica of the Annunciation.

PROMISE TO GOD

In 1950, while scrubbing the floor of the convent, Mother suddenly lost her balance and fell backwards, injuring her back. Two years later, the injury became more serious and Mother had to be hospitalized for surgery. She was informed that the chances were very slim, that she might never walk again. Mother recounted: “At that time, I was extremely confused and I promised that if He helped me walk again, I would build Him a convent in the South. He holds my life and the Almighty has looked after me.”

Shortly thereafter, Mother Angelica presented her idea to her superiors and was supported by Archbishop Thomas Toolen. On February 3, 1961, the Holy See approved Mother Mary Angelica’s permission to establish Our Lady of the Angels Monastery in Irondale, Alabama.

INVOLVED IN CATHOLIC MEDIA

Mother Angelica was a charismatic speaker. From speaking in parishes to printing pamphlets and books sharing the word of God, she became known everywhere, and radio and television stations began to invite her to collaborate.

In 1969, she began recording talks about faith and in 1971 she was invited to speak for the first time in a 10-minute program for WBRC radio. Opportunity followed opportunity. Encouraged by the people, seven years later she was invited to record a television program called Our Hermitage. From then on, Mother Angelica began to spend much of her time preparing to realize her bold dream: to establish a Catholic media center.

In 1973, while working, Mother Angelica heard that a television station planned to broadcast a program with doctrinally incorrect content. She gave them her opinion but nothing changed. From then on, she determined to build a television channel herself to convey the message of the Catholic faith. With limited knowledge of communications, little experience in the television field and a capital of only 200 USD, Mother Angelica officially founded a television channel called Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN). EWTN was first broadcast on the solemnity of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, August 15, 1981. The convent’s garage at that time became the first studio and today is the control room for EWTN’s global television program.

HERITAGE OF FAITH

The Poor Clares were founded in Irondale with five sisters. In 1995, she was inspired by God to build a new Our Lady of the Angels monastery and a shrine of the Blessed Sacrament in Hanceville, Alabama. In 1999, the sisters moved from Irondale to Hanceville. They later expanded to other states such as Texas and Arizona. The shrine has become one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in Alabama.

In addition, Mother Angelica founded a community of Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word, headquartered in Irondale. There are currently 15 members of the community, most of whom work at EWTN. “The first thing you notice about Mother Angelica is her unwavering love for God,” said Father Joseph Mary Wolfe, one of the community’s first members. “She always tells people that Jesus loves you.”

PROTECT THE CHURCH

In addition to founding religious orders, Mother Angelica played a major role in the growth of the Catholic Church in America. Through the mass media, she had a profound and far-reaching impact. This beloved nun achieved great success with her program. She answered viewers’ questions about God and life with clarity and gentleness. Mother Angelica helped the Church gradually penetrate the faith life of every Catholic in America. She was the first woman in the history of broadcasting to found and lead a network for 30 years.

Mother Angelica has been a vocal supporter of the work of Pope John Paul II and his successors. On February 12, while Pope Francis was on the plane to Cuba, he sent his greetings to Mother Angelica. He said: “To my blessed Mother Angelica, and I ask you to pray for me. I need it. God is with you, Mother Angelica.”