Mother Angelica
A nun with a cable vision, who built a global media empire from a garage to bring orthodox Catholicism into millions of homes.
1923–2016 (age 93)·Religious sister·Birthday: April 20·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Mother Angelica was a force of nature in a habit. With little more than fierce determination and what she called 'divine providence,' she co-founded the Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN) in 1981 from a converted garage in Alabama. Defying every expectation, she grew it into the largest religious media network in the world. She was its star, hosting 'Mother Angelica Live' where her plain-spoken, sometimes feisty commentary on faith and life resonated with a vast audience. Her work was not without controversy, as she frequently challenged more liberal voices within the Church. Yet, her legacy is one of monumental entrepreneurial spirit within religious life, using satellite technology to create a community for Catholics that transcended geography, all driven by the unwavering conviction of a cloistered nun.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Mother was born in 1923, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Mother Was Born
The biggest hits of 1923
#1 Movie
The Covered Wagon
Mother's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1923Born
The Great Kanto earthquake devastates Tokyo
President: Calvin Coolidge"Yes! We Have No Bananas" — Billy Jones
1928Started school
Alexander Fleming discovers penicillin; Mickey Mouse debuts
President: Calvin Coolidge"Ol' Man River" — Paul WhitemanBest Picture: Wings
1936Became a teenager
Jesse Owens wins four golds at the Berlin Olympics
Gas: $0.19/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"The Way You Look Tonight" — Fred AstaireBest Picture: The Great Ziegfeld
1939Could drive
World War II begins; The Wizard of Oz premieres
Gas: $0.19/galMin wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Over the Rainbow" — Judy GarlandBest Picture: Gone with the Wind
1941Could vote
Pearl Harbor attack brings the US into WWII
Gas: $0.19/galHome: $3,060Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Chattanooga Choo Choo" — Glenn MillerBest Picture: How Green Was My Valley
1944Turned 21
D-Day: Allied forces land at Normandy
Gas: $0.21/galHome: $3,400Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Swinging on a Star" — Bing CrosbyBest Picture: Going My Way
1953Turned 30
DNA structure discovered by Watson and Crick
Gas: $0.27/galHome: $8,750Min wage: $0.75/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"Song from Moulin Rouge" — Percy FaithBest Picture: From Here to Eternity
1963Turned 40
JFK assassinated in Dallas; Martin Luther King's 'I Have a Dream' speech
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $13,100Min wage: $1.25/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"Sugar Shack" — Jimmy Gilmer & The FireballsBest Picture: Tom Jones
1973Turned 50
US withdraws from Vietnam; Roe v. Wade decided
Gas: $0.39/galHome: $22,100Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree" — Tony Orlando & DawnBest Picture: The Sting
1983Turned 60
Internet adopts TCP/IP, creating the modern internet
Gas: $1.16/galHome: $57,700Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Every Breath You Take" — The PoliceBest Picture: Terms of Endearment
1993Turned 70
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2003Turned 80
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2016Died at 93
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
Key Achievements
- Founded the Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN), which became the largest Catholic media network in the world.
- Hosted the long-running live talk show 'Mother Angelica Live,' reaching a global audience for decades.
- Established the Our Lady of the Angels Monastery in Hanceville, Alabama.
- Pioneered the use of satellite television for evangelization and Catholic teaching.
Did You Know?
She initially used $200 to start her television work.
She was a member of the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration, a contemplative order.
She suffered a stroke in 2001 that eventually ended her on-air career.
“We are all called to be great saints. Don't miss the opportunity.”
