...supporters of EWTN converged on a big conference-centre in Alabama for a massive Family Festival...
A whirlwind of activity for all of us involved in EWTN, and lots of people coming up to say "I watch your programmes..." "I've been following your series..." and so on. On Saturday evening, a big presentation by a group of us talking about different aspects of the mission of a Catholic women today: lively, open, wide-ranging, and great to be with women who share convictions and want to celebrate the great and glorious truths of the Faith....
There were all sorts of talks and opportunities to discuss things during the day, of which the most interesting was an excellent presentation on religious freedom and the implications of the obligatory funding of abortion that the Obama administration seeks to impose on employers. This, plus laws imposing same-sex "marriage", and the restrictions on opposition to it, and the enforcement of the obligation to teach its acceptability to children in schools, dominated many conversations as people gathered to chat. There is an underlying seriousness that makes Catholic events of this sort different from the way they were a few years ago.
A glorious Mass this morning, celebrated by the Bishop of Birmingham, Alabama. For this, the stage was transformed into a sanctuary by bringing on an altar, flowers, tall candles, etc. There was a fine choir, and a most beautiful solo at Communion sung by a young girl, her clear voice filling the great auditorium with a sweet sound.
EWTN viewers include many young families, of a dedicated kind who are prepared to bring their children for a whole weekend of Catholic activities, and who all attend Mass with great devotion. There is a great sense of zeal, with people volunteering to be "media missionaries" promoting EWTN in their parishes. A sales area dedicated to books, DVDs, statues, and devotional items of all sorts drew good numbers. People queued up to meet EWTN presenters such as Fr Mitch Pacwa.
EWTN is shaping the future of the Church in the USA. You can watch the main events of the Festival - info here
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