TV Picks 12.1.13

SUNDAY, Dec. 1, 8 and 10pm

Boys Town; Men of Boys Town

TURNER CLASSIC MOVIES These two dramas are based on the life of Irish-born Father Edward Flanagan (1886-1948), who founded Boys Town, a home for homeless boys, in Omaha, Neb., in 1921. Father Flanagan was named a "Servant of God" in 2012.

SUNDAYS, Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22, 5am

Advent Reflections

EWTN In this series, Irish clergymen offer meditations for each Sunday of Advent: Bishop Christopher Jones of the Diocese of Elphin on Dec. 1; Father Patrick Lombard on Dec. 8; Father Shane Gallagher on Dec. 15; and Father Joe Jennings on Dec. 22. Re-airs at 5:30pm Thursdays.

 

MONDAY, Dec. 2, 6:30pm

Voice of Joy

EWTN This program revisits Friar Alessandro Brustenghi — a young Franciscan friar in Assisi, Italy, who was recently discovered to be a gifted tenor vocalist — as he reflects on his developing "fame" and prepares for the release of his second album on a major record label.

MONDAY, Dec. 2, 8pm

Seriously Amazing Objects

SMITHSONIAN CHANNEL This new series takes museum visitors backstage at the Smithsonian Institution and other museums to show them amazing artifacts and then sends them to related sites. Tonight, visitors see Sitting Bull’s drawing of the Battle of the Little Bighorn (1876) and then travel to the battleground in Montana.

 

THURSDAY, Dec. 5, 10pm

All About The Hobbit

EWTN Joseph Pearce opens the door to a new perspective on Tolkien’s fantasy saga on Life on the Rock. Then, at 11pm, follow in the furry footsteps of Bilbo’s Journey: A Catholic Travel Guide to The Hobbit.

FRIDAY, Dec. 6, 5pm

Nicholas: The Boy Who Became Santa

EWTN This CCC of America cartoon tells the fact-based story of St. Nicholas of Myra (270-343) from his boyhood on. We know St. Nicholas today as Santa Claus.

SUNDAY, Dec. 8, 10am, 9pm

Homage to the Immaculate

EWTN Observing a papal tradition begun in the 19th century, Pope Francis will honor Mary Immaculate at Rome’s Spanish Steps.

SUNDAY, Dec. 8, 1pm

John Paul II Center Dedication

EWTN Cardinal Raymond Burke celebrates Mass, followed by the dedication of the new John Paul II Eucharistic Center on the grounds of the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Hanceville, Ala.

 

MONDAY-SATURDAY, Dec. 9-14, 9am

Thirst for Truth; Battle for Souls

EWTN This six-part series features Fathers Bill Casey and Wade Menezes of the Fathers of Mercy giving a parish mission at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Kokomo, Ind.

Dan Engler writes from
Santa Barbara, California.