Founder Of EWTN, Mother Mary Angelica Dies At 92

Late Mother Mary Angelica 

The founder of a television ministry which grew into a global religious media empire has died at the rural monastery where she lived in Alabama at the age of 92, Sky News reports.

Mother Mary Angelica, known as "Mother Angelica", set up a religious talk show with just $200 in the garage of the monastery insuburban Birmingham in 1981.

That show grew to become the Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN), which has the blessing of the Vatican and now has 11 TV networks which broadcast to more than 258 million households.

Michael Warsaw, chairman and chief executive of EWTN, said Mother Angelica died on Easter Sunday.He said: "Mother has always, and will always, personify EWTN, the network which she founded."

In the face of sickness and long-suffering trials, mother's example of joy and prayerful perseverance exemplified the Franciscan spirit she held so dear.

"We thank God for Mother Angelica and forthe gift of her extraordinary life."Mother Angelica had been in declining health after suffering a cerebral haemorrhage on Christmas Eve 2001. 

She never regained her full speech and had other, less-severe strokes in more recent years.

Alabama Governor Robert Bentley said in astatement that Mother Angelica will live onin those touched by her sermons.

He said: "On this Easter Sunday, it is only fitting that the Lord chose today to call home one of his humble servants, Mother Angelica."She devoted her life to ministry, converting untold numbers of people to thechurch."

She left an indelible mark on Alabama, theCatholic Church and the world as a whole."

Born Rita Antoinette Rizzo in Canton, Ohio, in 1923, Mother Angelica entered the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration monastery in Cleveland at the age of 21.

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