Mother Angelica’s 70-Year-Old Promise

The National Catholic Register ^ | 8/15/14 | Raymond Arroyo

[marshmallow]

First came the miracle. Then, 70 years ago Aug. 15, she laid the foundation for all that would follow.

While millions of people glory in EWTN, the international broadcast empire Mother Mary Angelica of the Annunciation built — the one that has brought hope and healing to those inside and outside of the Catholic Church for more than 30 years — few appreciate that it all stands on a decision made by Mother Angelica when she was 21 years of age.

Among the many impressive traits of Mother Mary Angelica, her willingness to embrace risk and even suffer in her pursuit of God’s will has always stood out.

Seventy years ago this month, Rita Rizzo, a vivacious, wounded girl from a broken home, took a step that would change the course of Church history and alter the direction of millions of lives. She got there by fearlessly following the inspiration of the present moment.

In 1943, a desperate Rita visited a local mystic, Rhoda Wise, in search of a cure for a painful stomach ailment that made it difficult for the girl to eat. The mystic advised the young woman to pray a novena for healing.

As I recounted in my biography of her, Mother Angelica The Remarkable Story of a Nun, Her Nerve and a Network of Miracles, exactly nine days later, the pain dissolved, and Rita could suddenly eat anything she desired. Rita was certain she had experienced a miracle: “When the Lord came in and healed me … I had a whole different attitude. I knew that God knew me and loved me and was interested in me. I didn’t know that before. All I wanted to do after my healing was give myself to Jesus.”

[golux]

Arroyo is the best.

[Lawgvr1955]

God bless Mother Angelica. Pretty amazing accompishment, EWTN, coming from the efforts of a determined nun.

[Salvation]

**Mother Angelica The Remarkable Story of a Nun, Her Nerve and a Network of Miracles**

Fantastic book — read it!

[Shadowstrike]

I remember watching her with my Grandmother, She had a friendly face, and was plain spoken.

[Intolerant in NJ]

But what ever happened to Father Groeschel?.....

[MomofMarine]

He said the minors were the seducer in a lot of the sexual abuse cases! As if that wasn’t bad enough, he made it worse by saying the abusers shouldn’t go to jail on their first offense. Naturally, EWTN didn’t agree and let him go immediately. He’s been gone for a few years.

[Salvation]

Father Benedict’s physical condition and mental clarity have deteriorated

[MomofMarine]

I know. This all happened after his stroke.

[Steelfish]

Thanks for the post!

[goat granny]

I was house sitting for my son and watched her talking and listened to her....An admirable woman with a great sense of humor. Her ways have been good for all Catholics...loved listening to her. Had heard of her many years ago, but her program was great.(never heard her before) Loved when she said she goes to confession every week as she doesn’t want to carry more sin into her life than a weeks worth..And chuckled and spoke truth about those (like me) that carry years worth to answer for...Love that woman....

[Intolerant in NJ]

Yes, he seemed headed that way from some of the things he was saying on the air - but to have been unceremoniously removed the way he was for giving his opinion on a subject which was admittedly controversial after he had contributed so much to the station and operation demonstrated fear of criticism and a lack of Christian charity on EWTN”s part, IMO - sad to see.....