MANILA, Philippines?It was a leap of faith when EWTN?s founder, Mother Angelica, a cloistered nun who knew nothing about television production and state-of-the-art technology, embarked on a mission to further evangelize and turn the network into what it is today?a satellite TV network that has reached millions of viewers to spread God?s word and lead Catholics and Christians to their spiritual conversion.

The television network Mother Angelica founded is, in her own words, ?built on faith and sustained by prayer.? It all started with her immensely successful book apostolate, in which she authored a number of inspirational books that made her a much-sought-after speaker to people hungry for spiritual nourishment.

Invitations

Then came invitations for television interviews. After she asked some close friends about the intricacies of TV production, a small video operation in Birmingham, Alabama (where her Our Lady of the Angels Monastery is located) was mapped out, until she and her sisters produced the first of their 60-episode series, which taught the basics of the Catholic faith based on the gospels. It was aired via the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN).

Unfortunately, she had a falling-out with the CBN management after she heard that it was going to telecast ?The Word,? a controversial film (believed by many to be blasphemous). She began plans to build her own TV studio right in the garage of her monastery?and out of this humble location, EWTN was born?but not without obstacles.

Mother Angelica was unfazed and was, in fact, later vindicated. The secular media got wind of this charismatic, energetic Franciscan nun, who was later dubbed the ?Satellite Angel? by the Washington Post.

In 1979, it became apparent that more space and equipment were needed to produce quality programs. The following year, she ordered a satellite dish and applied for a license to broadcast programs about Catholic doctrine that targeted families, organizations, and the rest of the Christian world. Her goal: To glorify God by preaching His Word using the most advanced technology.

Sense of humor

On Aug. 15, 1981, Mother Angelica inaugurated EWTN?s first program. The rest is history. Today, it is the largest religious media network in the world. In Dan O?Neill?s book, ?Mother Angelica: Her Life Story,? the author recounts the beloved nun?s incredulity during the launch: ?Two years ago, I was a cloistered nun who couldn?t even adjust the color on my TV set. Doesn?t God have a great sense of humor looking for people like us to do His work??

Looking back, Mother Angelica said: ?I?m just God?s donkey pulling this load for a while?? Truly, she embodied Christian fortitude, humility and discernment when she built EWTN on faith alone.