Mother Angelica: Mother Angelica, born Rita Antoinette Rizzo, was a remarkable nun who left an indelible mark on the world through her dedication to faith, entrepreneurship, and broadcasting. As the founder of the Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN), she became a prominent figure in the Catholic Church. While many are familiar with her public persona, there are lesser-known facets of her life that contribute to the fascinating tapestry of Mother Angelica’s journey. In this blog post, we will explore 11 interesting untold facts about the nun.
1. Early Life Struggles:
Mother Angelica’s childhood was marked by poverty and a challenging family situation. Raised in Canton, Ohio, she grew up in a broken family, facing financial hardships. Despite these difficulties, she found solace in her Catholic faith and developed a strong connection with God from an early age.
2. Call to Religious Life:
In 1944, at the age of 21, Rita felt a profound calling to religious life. She entered the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration, a contemplative order of nuns. This marked the beginning of her journey toward a life dedicated to prayer and service.
3. Founding EWTN with $200:
Mother Angelica’s entrepreneurial spirit became evident when she founded EWTN in 1981 with just $200. What started as a small garage operation evolved into a global Catholic television network, reaching millions of viewers around the world.
4. Miraculous Healing:
Mother Angelica experienced a miraculous healing after a severe back injury. She attributed her recovery to divine intervention, solidifying her belief in the power of prayer and strengthening her resolve to spread the Catholic faith through various mediums, including television.
5. Feisty Personality:
Known for her feisty and determined personality, Mother Angelica was unafraid to speak her mind. Her straightforward approach and no-nonsense attitude garnered both admiration and criticism, but she remained steadfast in her commitment to her convictions.
6. EWTN’s Growth:
Under Mother Angelica’s leadership, EWTN grew exponentially, expanding its reach and programming. The network became a powerful tool for evangelization, broadcasting a wide range of religious content, including Mass, documentaries, and talk shows.
7. Suffering and Redemptive Value:
Mother Angelica understood the redemptive value of suffering, and she embraced physical ailments as a means of drawing closer to Christ. Her teachings emphasized the importance of finding purpose in suffering and turning it into a source of spiritual growth.
8. Authorship and Publishing:
In addition to her work in broadcasting, Mother Angelica was a prolific author. She wrote several books, sharing her insights on faith, prayer, and the challenges of living a Christian life. Her written works continue to inspire readers worldwide.
9. Ecclesiastical Approval and Support:
Mother Angelica faced challenges within the Church, including skepticism and opposition. However, as EWTN gained popularity and demonstrated its impact on spreading Catholic teachings, she eventually received support from the Vatican and ecclesiastical authorities.
10. Legacy of Prayer and Perseverance:
Mother Angelica’s legacy extends beyond the physical realm of EWTN. Her commitment to prayer and perseverance in the face of adversity serve as an enduring inspiration for individuals seeking spiritual strength and resilience.
11. Canonization Cause:
Mother Angelica passed away in 2016, but her impact lives on. In 2020, the Vatican opened her cause for canonization, recognizing her profound contributions to the Catholic Church and her potential status as a saint.
Conclusion
Mother Angelica’s life is a testament to the transformative power of faith, resilience, and determination. From her humble beginnings to the global reach of EWTN, her journey is a source of inspiration for believers and non-believers alike. As we reflect on these 11 untold facts about Mother Angelica, we gain a deeper appreciation for the woman behind the TV screen—a nun whose unwavering faith and entrepreneurial spirit left an indelible mark on the world.
WRITTEN BY ALEX