Mother Angelica

Date of Birth: April 20, 1923

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Date of Death: March 27, 2016

Biography

Mother Angelica, born Rita Antoinette Rizzo, was an American Roman Catholic nun and the founder of the Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN). She was born on April 20, 1923, in Canton, Ohio. Raised in a broken family and enduring a difficult childhood, Rita found solace in her faith. She entered the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration in 1944, taking the name Sister Mary Angelica of the Annunciation. In 1981, with only $200 and a vision, Mother Angelica founded EWTN in a garage-turned-studio in Irondale, Alabama. The network grew to become the largest religious media network globally, broadcasting Catholic programming 24/7. Mother Angelica was known for her straightforward, humorous, and sometimes fiery style, which endeared her to millions of viewers. Aside from her work with EWTN, she also founded the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Hanceville, Alabama, in 1999. Mother Angelica’s influence extended beyond media as she inspired many to deepen their faith and commitment to the Catholic Church.

5 Interesting Facts about Mother Angelica

1. Mother Angelica was the first woman in the history of television to found and lead a cable network.

2. Despite facing significant health issues, including two strokes, she continued to be a guiding force for EWTN.

3. She was awarded the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice medal by Pope John Paul II in 2009 for her service to the Church.

4. Mother Angelica’s network started in a converted garage with only $200 and grew into a multi-million dollar enterprise.

5. She authored numerous books and was a popular speaker, known for her wit and wisdom.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Mother Angelica

1. “Unless you are willing to do the ridiculous, God will not do the miraculous.”

2. “Faith is what gets you started. Hope is what keeps you going. Love is what brings you to the end.”

3. “We are all called to be great saints. Don’t miss the opportunity.”

4. “Holiness is not for wimps and the cross is not negotiable, sweetheart, it’s a requirement.”

5. “If you’re not a thorn in somebody’s side, you’re not doing Christianity right.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At its peak, EWTN’s estimated net worth was over $50 million, though Mother Angelica herself took a vow of poverty and did not personally profit from the network’s success.

Children

As a Roman Catholic nun, Mother Angelica did not have any biological children. Her “children” were considered to be the viewers and followers of EWTN, as well as the nuns and friars she mentored throughout her life.