Mother Angelica’s life must be viewed in reference to Jesus, the homilist at her funeral Mass said on Friday. “We cannot understand Mother Angelica without reference the One that
she loved with the passion of a bride, Jesus, the Eternal Word Who
became man and dwelt among us,” said Fr. Joseph Mary Wolfe, MVFA, in his
homily at the funeral Mass for Mother Angelica, foundress of EWTN and
Abbess Emerita at Our Lady of the Angels monastery in Hanceville,
Alabama. “Her legacy is a legacy of His work in her,” Fr. Joseph Mary added. An estimated 2,000 mourners attended Mother Angelica’s funeral Mass
at the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Hanceville, 45 miles
north of Birmingham. Archbishop Charles Chaput of Philadelphia said the Mass, joined by
the Apostolic Nuncio to the United States Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano,
as well as Bishop Thomas Olmsted of Phoenix, Bishop Richard Stika of
Knoxville, Bishop Robert Baker of Birmingham, and his predecessor,
Bishop David Foley, Mother’s long-time bishop. Archbishop Vigano read aloud a message from Pope Francis at the end of the Mass. “His Holiness Pope Francis was saddened to learn of the death of
Mother Mary Angelica of the Annunciation, and extends heartfelt
condolences to the Poor Clares of the Perpetual Adoration of Our Lady of
the Angels Monastery, and to the EWTN community,” he said. Read more here.
Pope Saint John Paul II , a towering figure of the 20th century, was a staunch critic of socialist ideologies. He recognized the inherent flaws in systems that sought to control economies and societies through centralized planning and state ownership. The pontiff's teachings offered a prophetic warning against the dangers of such regimes, which often led to oppression, poverty, and the erosion of individual freedoms. Recently, a conference organized by the Catholic Association of Propagandists in Spain brought together prominent figures who echoed the concerns raised by the late Pope. Bishop José Ignacio Munilla of Orihuela-Alicante boldly declared socialism an "enemy of the cross," highlighting its incompatibility with Christian values. He emphasized the need for a spiritual renewal, urging individuals to embrace the cross as a path to true happiness and fulfillment. French philosopher Fabrice Hadjadj also addressed the challenges posed by modern society, warning ag...