MANILA, Philippines?For 27 years now, the Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN) has been a voice in the wilderness?and a trailblazer in religious broadcasting and evangelization. Never has there been a network that beams watchable religious programs that does away with hyperventilating preachers.

EWTN?s varied programs erase social distinctions. It has programs for viewers of every religious persuasion. It follows a format that engages people from all walks of life. But, take note: While they tackle the seriousness of the times, they always give something that feeds the needs of the human spirit!

Past episodes

One of the network?s well-loved programs is ?Mother Angelica Classics,? hosted by EWTN founder, Mother Angelica. It airs past episodes that feature the beloved nun?s wit and wisdom.

Another show, ?Threshold of Hope,? hosted by Jesuit theologian, Fr. Mitch Pacwa, explains the essence of Pope John Paul II?s encyclicals.

?Sunday Night Live,? hosted by Fr. Benedict Groeschel, a psychologist, shares his experiences and answers phoned-in questions about various topics, such as the pro-life movement, family problems, sin and understanding apparitions.

?The Journey Home? features people who have strayed but are called back to the Catholic faith.

?The World Over? is the network?s equivalent to CNN or BBC news. It gives exclusive interviews and investigative reports on current issues that concern the Catholic faithful. A recent report tackled the Church?s stand on stem-cell research.

EWTN airs programs designed to help converts and ?old-timers? get familiar with Catholic precepts, like ?Fr. John Corapi and the Catechism of the Catholic Church.? Corapi is an uncompromising preacher who gives in-your-face comments about customs and beliefs that are not in accordance with the Magisterium.

Fr. Robert Levis and Fr. John Trigilio answer questions posted on the web by viewers through the program, ?Web of Faith.? While both priests use humor to answer questions about catechism and spirituality, they also give advice on how to find good confessors, and discuss the validity of interfaith marriages.

Another program, ?The Carpenter?s Shop,? is specifically designed to help the man of the house deal with his roles as model husband and father.

Sanctity of marriage

EWTN also produces shows for kids: Its ?Faith Factory? guides young viewers to help them explore their faith. ?The Pure Life? offers advice to teenagers on how to remain chaste?physically and spiritually?and convinces them to take the sanctity of marriage seriously.

Moreover, the program, ?Taking a Stand,? is designed to help parents make their children understand the meaning of chastity and sexuality.

And you can?t miss the daily Mass celebrated by the Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word, the recitation of the Holy Rosary with Mother Angelica, and the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy, sung by some of the most angelic and soothing voices on TV!