On August 15, 2025, the Eternal Word Television Network celebrates the 44th anniversary of Catholic nun Mother Angelica founding the network.
In a video that aired on Mother Angelica LIVE Classics, EWTN's foundress explains, in her own words, how she established the network from a garage studio.
When Mother Angelica first stepped into a television studio in Chicago, she didn’t realize she was about to launch a global Catholic media revolution.
Mother Angelica explains that her journey began in 1973, when she started writing books and giving talks.
Her fellow sisters printed her books, and soon people wanted more, so she started giving talks and eventually landed on a Protestant TV talk show in Chicago. This experience ignited a spark that led to something much bigger.
In the video, Mother Angelica recalls this moment:
"When I walked into the studio — it was much, much smaller than this one — I realized how little space it took to reach the masses. I thought to myself, ‘Lord, I’ve got to have one of these!’"
Despite early setbacks—like her first homemade tape, which she describes as “a disaster… I looked like Grandma Moses sitting in a rocking chair," her sisters encouraged her to record another tape and send it to the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN). Within two weeks, they invited her to make 60 half-hour shows.
However, the real test came when Mother Angelica discovered another network planned to air a blasphemous movie depicting Jesus as a false prophet. When she confronted the station manager, he asked, “Do you think God cares?”
Mother Angelica then provided a fearless response: “Yes—He cares, and I care.” She refused to let the movie air on her platform.
The station manager responded, “If you leave this station, you’re off television.” He said leaving meant the end of her TV career.
Her answer:
“Oh no—I don’t need you. I only need God. I’ll build my own.”
And that’s exactly what she did.
When she got home, Mother Angelica told her sisters that they wouldn’t build a garage like they originally planned, but a television studio instead. This shocked the contractor digging the foundation.
"A television studio?" he asked.
"Yes—a television studio," she repeated.
EWTN had this humble beginning built on bold faith, a “big mouth,” and God’s providence.
Mother Angelica concludes by saying the development of the Catholic network was “unbelievable Providence!” and a mission born out of necessity in “these serious times.”
“He wanted this network for you, in these serious times,” she said.
Today, EWTN, ChurchPOP’s parent company, reaches millions worldwide. It all started with a sister’s encouragement, a "disastrous" homemade tape, and a refusal to compromise on faith.
Her story exemplifies what can happen when a person is courageous and places all their trust in God. Mother Angelica’s vision forever changed the landscape of Catholic media.