DAILY, various times, live

2014 World Cup

ESPN, ESPN2, ABC Every match of the 2014 World Cup soccer/football tournament will air live on ESPN, ESPN2 or ABC, ending in ABC’s broadcast of the much-anticipated championship match in Rio de Janeiro at 2:30pm on July 13. The U.S. team’s first match will be in Natal against Ghana on ESPN at 5:30pm on June 16. The usual starting times for matches will be 11:30am, 2:30pm and 5:30pm, with a few matches at 3:30pm.

WEDNESDAY, June 18, 9pm

Nova: At the Edge of Space

PBS This special explores the mysteries of phenomena in the Earth-space boundary zone, including the aurora, meteors and "sprites," which are flashes that streak upward from thunderclouds. The program features spectacular vistas filmed from the International Space Station and a high-flying weather observation plane.

THURSDAY, June 19, 1pm, live

Solemnity of Corpus Christi Mass and Procession in Rome

EWTN Pope Francis will celebrate Mass at the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran and then lead the traditional Eucharistic procession to the Basilica of St. Mary Major. Re-airs at midnight.

SATURDAY, June 21, 5:30pm, live

Opening Mass for the Fortnight for Freedom

EWTN In Baltimore’s Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore will celebrate the opening Mass of the U.S. bishops’ third annual "Fortnight for Freedom." Taking place June 21-July 4, the fortnight is a time for Catholics to pray for religious liberty in our land and to guard against governmental violations of freedom of conscience. This year’s theme is "Freedom to Serve." Re-airs at midnight.

SATURDAYS, June 21, June 28, 10pm

America’s Cutest

ANIMAL PLANET Each week, veterinarian Karen Halligan and celebrity animal experts watch videos of pets and vote for the cutest ones. The June 21 episode is "America’s Cutest Cat: Snuggling Kitties," and the June 28 show is "America’s Cutest Dog: Happy Hounds." Advisory: TV-PG.

SUNDAY, June 22, 8am, 6pm, live

Solemnity of Corpus Christi

EWTN The Franciscan Friars celebrate this beautiful feast day with traditional observances. At 8am from Irondale, Ala., is Mass and a procession; and at 6pm from Hanceville, Ala., is Benediction and a procession.

TUESDAY, June 24, 3am, 1:30pm

Bread of Life

EWTN "Most Holy Trinity, I adore thee. My God, my God, I love thee in the Most Blessed Sacrament." This special interviews Catholic priests about the treasure that is the Eucharist.

TUESDAY, June 24, 7am

Modern Marvels: The Arch

HISTORY This special discusses the history of the arch from ancient times onward. Romans were the first to perfect arches. Advisory: TV-PG.

FRIDAY, June 27, 9:30am, 9:30pm

Fifth Annual Global Rosary Relay for Priests

EWTN On the feast of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus (and World Priest Day), Catholics in 84 shrines in 46 countries will pray the Rosary for our beloved priests.

Dan Engler writes from
Santa Barbara, California.