45 years after its first broadcast, EWTN has become the largest Catholic media network in the world

Forty-five years ago today, Mother Mary Angelica of the Annunciation launched the first broadcast of the Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN) from a converted garage in Alabama. What began as a humble television venture would grow into the world’s largest Catholic media network.

With $200 and 12 nuns with no television experience, Mother Angelica turned the monastery garage into a television studio. EWTN received its Federal Communications Commission license on Jan. 27, 1981, making it the first Catholic satellite television station in the United States.

Just a few months later, on Aug. 15, 1981, EWTN began broadcasting four hours a day to 60,000 homes.

The anniversary, Aug. 15, also marks the feast of the Assumption , a solemnity commemorating the end of the Virgin Mary’s earthly life and her assumption, body and soul, into heaven.

As EWTN commemorates 45 years of spreading the Eternal Word, here’s a look back at the work and progress of the organization that all started with the mission of one cloistered nun.

EWTN starts growing rapidly In 1983, the network launched its flagship talk show, “Mother Angelica Live.” Despite innumerable challenges and millions in debt,…