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.
Finding St Anthony Among the Lost Items
Saint Anthony of Padua, though often associated with finding lost articles, was primarily known in his lifetime as a powerful and eloquent preacher. Originally a Canon Regular of St. Augustine, he was inspired to join the newly formed Franciscan order after witnessing the martyrdom of the first Franciscan missionaries in Morocco. His conversion to the mendicant life under St. Francis of Assisi transformed him, deepening his commitment to poverty, humility, and evangelical preaching. Gifted with profound theological knowledge and a captivating speaking style, he traveled across Italy and France, drawing immense crowds with his clear and passionate sermons, converting many and combating heresy with his unwavering faith and intellectual rigor. Beyond his public ministry, St. Anthony was a mystic who enjoyed profound spiritual experiences, most notably a vision of the Infant Jesus. This intimate connection with the Christ Child is a hallmark of his iconography, often depicting him c...
