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Vacation to EWTN and Mother Angelica's Shrine of the Blessed Sacrament (Part 1)
By maryann in The Culture of Life
September 16, 2008

My family and I returned from a wonderful vacation in early August to Mother Angelica’s EWTN (Eternal Word Television Network) in Irondale, Alabama, and to her shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Hanceville.  I write this for those interested in going to EWTN or for those who watch EWTN on t.v., and also as a personal remembrance for my family.

 

Many people make a “Eucharistic pilgrimage” to the area, as the shrine offers Mass, Adoration, Confession, talks, and the angelic singing of the nuns as they sing the Divine Office, among other prayers throughout the day. For my family with four young children and the littlest just turning four, it wasn’t so much of a pilgrimage but a vacation. I certainly prayed that we would have a spiritual aspect to the trip, but trips to the zoo, botanical garden, and other kiddie attractions discount from this being a true pilgrimage for us this time.

 

So what can you do when you go to EWTN? First of all, you can go to the daily Mass, which for me was heaven on Earth. My children and I usually watch the Daily Mass on weekdays, and especially we listen to the homily. In my opinion EWTN has some of the best homilists available in America today. While we were there, we were blessed to hear Father Pablo Straub twice as he talked about Peter the Rock, and of course, he brought up life issues. The man is a living saint, IMO, and it’s evidenced by the entourage of young Mexican men and women he had with him from the religious order he has founded in Mexico.  These were all young religious, priests, brothers, and sisters who are attracted to the truth, Jesus Christ ,that Father Pablo preaches.

 

Also, we were blessed to be at the Mass of Father Thomas Eitenauer, the president of Human Life International. I like to think that when Fr. Etenouar speaks, those who want to hear the truth listen, as he pulls no punches but speaks of the hard truths of our Catholic lives- about the evils of contraception, abortion, euthanasia, and homosexual “marriage,” yet he does so with the love and mercy of God in mind.

 

During the evenings, we were able to catch two of the live shows- EWTN Live, and Life on the Rock. This was quite an experience because not only did we get to talk to the brothers, like Brother Leo and Brother Louie, monks that the boys see on the EWTN kids shows, but we were all able to see how a live show was filmed and prepared for. My sons were ecstatic because they were invited to take pictures with Deacon Bill and Father Mark, host of LIFE on the Rock.

 

One day we took a tour of the EWTN studio, and the approximately 1 hour 15 minute tour was lead by the very humorous and knowledgeable Brother Tarcisio, from Argentina. I have to say that this was one of the highlights of our vacation, because Brother Tarcisio was so funny, knowledgeable of his Catholic faith, and so personable, that my young sons soon started talking about collecting “friar equipment” to imitate Brother Tarcisio. We have the rosaries and cinctures, but now I am looking for patterns and material to sew three smallish Franciscan friar robes, not to mention finding the sandals……!

 

I have to say that this was part of an answer to my prayer, as I did want this trip to EWTN to make an impression on my sons and daughter, in whatever way to meet them where they are.  I pray that spiritual benefits will come for many years.