IRONDALE, Ala. — The nuns of Mother Angelica’s monastery have thanked those who have prayed for the EWTN foundress and have asked continued prayers for the 92-year-old nun.
“Mother's condition remains delicate, and she receives devoted care day and night by her sisters and nurses,” the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration at Our Lady of the Angels Monastery said in a Feb. 22 update.
“Although she is most often sleeping, from time to time Mother will give a radiant smile. There is no doubt that her heart must be 'on things above,'” the nuns said, referencing St. Paul’s Letter to the Colossians.
Mother Angelica founded Eternal Word Television Network in 1981. The organization would become EWTN Global Catholic Network. She headed the organization until the year 2000 and became one of the most influential Catholic women in the United States.
She suffered a stroke in 2001. She continues to live at Our Lady of the Angels Monastery in Hanceville, Ala. It was reported last November that Mother Angelica was placed on a feeding tube.
“We want to extend a very special and heartfelt thank you to each of you who have been praying for Mother Angelica,” the nuns said. “Mother herself is regularly fortified by the sacraments. Please continue to keep her in your prayers. Each day is a gift!”
Mother Angelica was able to pass through one of the special holy doors designated for the Catholic Church’s Year of Mercy.
Pope Francis recently sent greetings to Mother Angelica Feb. 12 on his plane trip to Cuba.
“God bless you, Mother Angelica!” the Pope said in a video taken by journalists on his flight.
Near the end of 2015, all of the friars of the Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word came to the monastery for the offering of a special Mass for Mother Angelica.
EWTN Global Catholic Network, which includes Catholic News Agency, is the largest religious media network in the world.