Rita Rizzo, Trailblazer

Last night I watched some of the most joy-filled children rejoice in the love of Christ as they welcomed Pope Benedict to their home here. It was beautiful and inspiring and uplifting.

I was watching it live on EWTN, where Raymond Arroyo is anchoring the trip live.

It was a reminder to me of how thankful I am to Mother Angelica (born Rita Rizzo), that she answered a series of seemingly crazy calls (read the book!) to establish this media apostolate. Hers is a story of trust in the Lord. Real, practical, I do really actually believe he will provide and I will live as if He will trust.

In a just world she would also be hailed as a media pioneer, a woman of courage and clarity.

I happened to be giving thanks for her in the cathedral adjacent to her convent in Hanceville, Alabama last weekend. She’ll never know how many souls she has brought to the Lord — and continues to today — because she said “yes,” and kept at just that. Following the Divine Child.