My Trip to EWTN

I’m waking up this morning in a sort of dream-like state. As I look out my window, I can see a beautiful grove of trees. Just beyond it sits the brown, brick studio where Mother Angelica began a global television station — EWTN, the Eternal Word Television Network — out of a garage. I am here to be a guest of the new television show being developed by my friend and fellow Catholic Mom author, Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle. While we are here, Donna-Marie will film the first five episodes of “Catholic Mom’s Cafe“, with each of her guests focusing on a different topic of support to mothers.

This is actually my second time to visit this area. A few years ago, my parents and I took a mini-pilgrimage to Mother Angelica’s Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Hanceville, Alabama, but the television station was not open when we drove past it. Yesterday, I was able to take a “behind the scenes” tour with my fellow guest Marge Fenelon, to view the internal workings of the studio. After our tour, on our way to dinner, this Catholic fangirl almost tripped over herself at a casual sighting of Fr. Mitch Pacwa. Being here is both tremendous blessing and a reminder of the power of the media to spread the Good News of the Gospel. It also underscores for me what one amazing person can do when her motives are driven by glorying God. I can’t imagine how many times Mother Angelica likely felt like quitting when she was getting started — and yet to look around here and know how many talented souls now make up this worldwide initiative is truly awe-inspiring.

Today, we will film our episodes, attend Mass and continue to pray together for the moms we serve. Be sure to keep an eye on my Facebook profile, where I’ll most definitely be sharing photos. Please pray that the production goes smoothly today and that we give our very best for this special endeavor.