In his homily, Cardinal O'Brien referenced Mother Angelica's sufferings, both physical and interior, saying that despite challenges, her "steel-willed, tenacious determination resulted in amazing achievements."
The strokes which left Mother Angelica speechless and physically powerless brought some of the most difficult years of her life, O'Brien said, which led her to "the life of a true contemplative."
"We can but imagine what graces which those years of silent suffering have won for the spread of the Eternal Word, even as we speak," O'Brien remarked.
The cardinal spoke to CNA about Mother Angelica's legacy of putting "herself completely at the will of God and the Church," which positively "affected the lives of many, many Catholics." He also noted that "no one can really ascertain the long-range effect that [her legacy] will continue to have on the Church and throughout the world."
Doug Keck, EWTN President and Chief Operating Officer, told CNA that Mother Angelica's memory lives on through EWTN viewers.
"Not a day goes by that we do not get calls, emails, and/or letters extolling not only the importance of EWTN in their spiritual lives but specifically in the teachings of Mother Angelica on her classic, timeless live shows," Keck said.
Keck believes that viewers relate so deeply to Mother Angelica because she "meets them where they are, in all their pain and brokenness, but refuses to leave them there. Instead, she lovingly accompanies, getting them on the right path that leads to her spouse, Jesus Christ."
The EWTN foundress left a legacy remembered beyond her viewers. She will also be remembered by the communications community for her lasting achievements, Keck said.
"Mother Angelica defined what it meant to be a media revolutionary and cable pioneer. She went forward, with one step in the air and a queasy feeling in her stomach, into a communications jungle," Keck said.
"She astonished the experts and proved to an industry of mavericks that faithfully following your mission despite all obstacles could lead to great rewards."
Mother Angelica launched EWTN Global Catholic Network in 1981. Now the largest religious media network in the world, today it reaches more than 275 million television households in more than 145 countries and territories.
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In addition to 11 television channels in multiple languages, EWTN platforms include radio services through shortwave and satellite radio, SIRIUS/XM, iHeart Radio, and over 500 AM & FM affiliates. EWTN publishes the National Catholic Register and Catholic News Agency, produces daily news show EWTN News Nightly, operates a religious goods catalogue, and in 2015 formed EWTN Publishing as a joint venture with Sophia Institute Press.