Mother Angelica, born Rita Antoinette Rizzo, was a remarkable figure in the Catholic Church, best known for founding the Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN). Her deep faith, entrepreneurial spirit, and dedication to spreading the Gospel have led many to consider her a candidate for sainthood. This topic explores Mother Angelica’s life, her contributions to the Church, and the process involved in her potential canonization.
Early Life and Spiritual Journey
Born on April 20, 1923, in Canton, Ohio, Rita Rizzo experienced a challenging childhood marked by poverty and family instability. Despite these hardships, she felt a profound calling to religious life. In 1944, she entered the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration, a contemplative Franciscan order, and took the name Sister Mary Angelica of the Annunciation.
Founding of EWTN
In 1981, Mother Angelica established EWTN in a garage-turned-studio in Birmingham, Alabama. Her vision was to create a media platform dedicated to sharing Catholic teachings worldwide. Today, EWTN stands as the largest religious media network globally, broadcasting in multiple languages to millions of viewers.
The Canonization Process in the Catholic Church
The path to sainthood in the Catholic Church involves several stages:
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Servant of God: Initiation of the cause for canonization by the local bishop, followed by a comprehensive investigation into the individual’s life and virtues.
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Venerable: Recognition by the Pope of the candidate’s heroic virtues.
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Beatification: Declaration as ‘Blessed’ after the verification of one miracle attributed to the candidate’s intercession.
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Canonization: Official declaration as a saint following the confirmation of a second miracle.
Current Status of Mother Angelica’s Cause
As of September 2022, there has been no official announcement from the Diocese of Birmingham regarding the initiation of Mother Angelica’s cause for canonization.
Public Support and Calls for Canonization
Many faithful have expressed a strong desire to see Mother Angelica recognized as a saint. Online platforms and social media groups have been created to encourage prayers and petitions for her canonization.
Pope Francis’ Acknowledgment
In March 2016, during a general audience in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis responded to a display of Mother Angelica’s portrait by stating, ‘She’s in Heaven.’ While this remark reflects the Pope’s personal sentiment, it does not constitute formal recognition of sainthood.
Steps Toward Canonization
For Mother Angelica’s cause to advance, the following steps are necessary:
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Initiation of the Cause: A petition must be submitted to the local bishop to open the cause for canonization.
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Investigation: A thorough examination of Mother Angelica’s life, writings, and virtues is conducted.
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Verification of Miracles: Miracles attributed to her intercession must be investigated and confirmed.
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Beatification and Canonization: Upon verification of miracles, the Pope may declare her ‘Blessed’ and, subsequently, a saint.
Mother Angelica’s unwavering faith and pioneering efforts in Catholic media have left an indelible mark on the Church. While the formal process for her canonization has yet to begin, the widespread admiration and calls for her recognition reflect her profound impact on the faithful. As the Church continues to discern her cause, many remain hopeful that Mother Angelica will one day be officially declared a saint.