Remembering EWTN’s Mother Angelica

Mother Mary Angelica of the Annunciation, P.C.P.A., founder of the EWTN Global Catholic Network, died peacefully on Easter Sunday, March 27, surrounded by the Poor Clare Nuns of Perpetual Adoration of Our Lady of the Angels Monastery in Hanceville, Ala. “This is a sorrow-filled day for the entire EWTN Family,” said EWTN’s chairman and chief executive officer, Michael P. Warsaw. “In the face of sickness and long-suffering trials, Mother’s example of joy and prayerful perseverance exemplified the Franciscan spirit she held so dear.” Her popular EWTN television show, “Mother Angelica Live,” was launched in 1983. Mitch Pacwa, S.J., a Scripture scholar and the host of “EWTN Live,” commented, “The history of Catholicism in the United States will need to include a section, if not a chapter, on Mother Angelica.” In a remembrance published at americamedia.org, Father Pacwa said “authenticity” was one of Mother Angelica’s stand-out characteristics. A sometimes combative presence on camera, “she was absolutely no different offstage than on. She said what she honestly thought because she believed it to be true, and she did not fear that anyone might dislike her. Her only fear would be to displease the Lord Jesus.”