VATICAN CITY — Ten years after her passing on Easter Sunday, the legacy of Mother Mary Angelica of the Annunciation continues to illuminate the digital and spiritual landscape of the global Church. On March 27, 2026, the Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN) commemorated the 10th anniversary of its foundress’s death with a solemn Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, a fitting tribute to the Poor Clare nun who transformed a monastery garage into the world’s largest Catholic media empire.
The memorial Mass, celebrated by Father Michael Baggot, LC, at the basilica’s Choir Altar, drew faithful from across the globe, both in person and through the very airwaves Mother Angelica pioneered. Michael P. Warsaw, EWTN Chair and CEO, noted that the choice of St. Peter’s was intentional: “Mother Angelica loved the beauty and grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica… it’s fitting that we honor her memory at the place that points all people toward the transcendent”.
From a Garage to the Global Stage
Born Rita Antoinette Rizzo in 1923 in Canton, Ohio, Mother Angelica’s journey was one of radical trust in Divine Providence. After entering religious life and founding Our Lady of the Angels Monastery in Irondale, Alabama, she launched EWTN in 1981 with just $200 and a vision to share the “Eternal Word” with a world increasingly alienated from the Gospel.
What began as a local broadcasting effort has, in the four decades since, evolved into a multi-platform powerhouse. Today, EWTN operates 11 television channels broadcasting 24 hours a day in multiple languages, reaching audiences in more than 160 countries and territories. Its reach extends through hundreds of radio affiliates, a global news service, and a digital presence that remains a primary source of information for millions of Catholics.
| Key Milestone | Achievement / Impact |
| 1923 | Born Rita Antoinette Rizzo in Canton, Ohio |
| 1981 | Launched EWTN from a monastery garage in Alabama |
| 2016 | Passed away on Easter Sunday at the age of 92 |
| 2026 | 10th Anniversary commemorated at St. Peter’s Basilica |
| Global Reach | 11 channels, 160+ countries, 400 million+ homes |
A Legacy of “Holy Audacity”
Mother Angelica was known for her “holy audacity”—a combination of contemplative devotion and entrepreneurial grit. In the early years, she and her fellow sisters supported their mission by selling fishing lures and roasted peanuts. This same spirit guided her through the challenges of building a network that would eventually include Catholic News Agency, the National Catholic Register, and ChurchPOP.
Her spiritual legacy is perhaps best summarized by her own words: “Unless you are willing to do the ridiculous, God will not do the miraculous.” This philosophy turned a cloistered nun into a household name, whose “feisty” defense of Catholic orthodoxy and infectious laugh continue to inspire new generations through social media and streaming platforms like EWTN+
Commemorations Worldwide
The anniversary was marked by a day of prayer and reflection across the EWTN network. In addition to the Vatican Mass, special programming included a Mass from the EWTN chapel in Irondale, the Holy Rosary in memoriam, and the Stations of the Cross. These events were made accessible to a global audience, reflecting the very mission Mother Angelica lived for: to bring the Church to the people, wherever they may be.
Kathryn Jean Lopez, religion editor at National Review, described Mother Angelica as a “joy and inspiration—a gift to the United States and the world over.” She noted that the Eucharist was the “reason for living” for Mother Angelica, who spent her final years in silent reparation for the sins of the world.
Spiritual Resolution
As we mark this 10th anniversary, we are invited to emulate the radical trust and “holy audacity” of Mother Angelica. Let us commit ourselves to:
The Sacrament of Confession: To seek the mercy of God, which Mother Angelica so tirelessly proclaimed to her “family” of viewers.
Eucharistic Adoration: To spend time before the Blessed Sacrament, the source of the “miraculous” in Mother Angelica’s life and in our own.
The Holy Rosary: To join in the daily prayer that Mother Angelica led for decades, asking for the intercession of the Blessed Mother for the needs of the Church.
The Holy Mass: To participate in the Holy Sacrifice, the “source and summit” of our faith, which Mother Angelica brought into millions of homes.
Sacred Scripture: To immerse ourselves in the “Eternal Word,” allowing it to form our minds and hearts for the mission of evangelization.
To remain informed about Catholic life, teachings, and global Church developments, readers may be encouraged to visit www.ewtnvatican.com for trusted Catholic news and resources.
