The Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN) is the gold standard of Catholic Media. EWTN started as a cable station founded in Alabama by Mother Angelica. When I first heard about the network, I was skeptical about what I would find. First, there was Mother Angelica who started broadcasting from a garage in the early eighties. She had no experience in the television industry and was producing content through donations provided by the viewers. Then there was the location of the studio. Alabama is not known for its Catholic population. So I was sure that there would not be an abundance of human resources to draw upon. At the time, I heard EWTN intentionally did not use the word “catholic” in the title, which made me suspicious at first. I was hoping that it wasn’t associated with some new age movement. Later, I read that “catholic” was excluded so to that Mother Angelica could have greater freedom from the local diocese (a legal loophole). Although I initially had so many questions and doubts, my first viewing was a very pleasant surprise. The programs I watched contained programming that was very orthodox Roman Catholic. With EWTN, it is the Pope’s way or no way. Although this has not set well with some Bishops, I was so happy to find such a wealth of solid catholic teaching. Years later, the network is still growing in popularity. It is now the most watched Catholic outlet for teaching the faith. Its reach extends around the world. EWTN also uses radio (including short wave), websites, and podcasting to spread the Word. I have yet to find any program, in its lineup, that contains anything less than the highest quality of orthodox teaching on the Church’s faith.
Along with the network’s popularity there are personalities that have become synonymous with EWTN. There is Father Mitch Pacwa who hosts a couple of the weekly live shows. Father John Corapi who gives straight-talk lectures on the Catechism of the Church. There is also a weekly news program, hosted by Raymond Arroyo that presents the Catholic perspective on current world events. And many, many more. I highly recommend all of the shows. It really doesn’t matter which show because all are of sound teaching.
Shows that I recommend:
EWTN Live
The World Over
Bookmark
Rome Reports
Threshold of Hope
The shows listed above are televised multiple times throughout the week. If you do not get EWTN, contact your local television provider.
Televised programs can also be seen on the EWTN website. Go to: www. EWTN.com