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November 7, 2024More than 30 from throughout the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City recently enjoyed a pilgrimage to the Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN) in Irondale, Alabama. This six-day journey was conducted by the Oklahoma Catholic Radio Broadcasting Network.
“Several parishes were involved. There is a small portion of the cost of the pilgrimage that will help the Oklahoma Catholic Radio,” said board member Bruce Yancey, who also went on the trip. “It also helps get the name out because a lot of people don’t realize what it does. It promotes Christ around the state of Oklahoma.”
The trip included stops along the way at popular destinations such as the Wiederkehr Winery and Subiaco Abbey in Arkansas, as well as Vulcan Park and Ave Maria Grotto in Birmingham, Alabama. The week also included private Masses every day, along with recitation of the rosary and confessions.
On day three, the pilgrims worshipped during the televised morning Mass at EWTN. They also participated in a tour of the studio and were later featured in the audience during the filming of “EWTN Live” with Father Mitch Pacwa. In this episode, Father Mitch and David DiNapoli address the priest shortage and how the laity can help.
Along with experiencing a sneak peek of EWTN, the pilgrims were given the opportunity to delve deeper into their spirituality. They enjoyed a talk about confession given by Franciscan Missionary of the Eternal Word, Brother Dominic, at the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Hanceville, Alabama.
A shrine tour, an opportunity to pray with the cloistered nuns and a tour of the JPII Eucharistic Center were additional highlights.
On the last day of the trip, the group explored Beale Street, the birthplace of Rock and Roll, in Memphis. They also danced after dinner on a riverboat cruise on the Mississippi River. The pilgrimage was not only an opportunity to grow in one’s faith, it was also a chance to connect in fellowship with parishioners from all over the archdiocese.
“It was a fantastic pilgrimage seeing a lot of sights,” Yancey said. “Many go for the first time. My wife and I have done it two times and it worked out very well. It was nice seeing it again and I picked up on a lot of things I missed the first time.
“There were several things about the whole trip that I especially liked such as EWTN and visiting with Father Mitch Pacwa. It was great seeing them in person a few feet away instead of on the big screen. Probably one of the most fantastic things was going to visit the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament and seeing some of the history that Mother Angelica did with that.”
“It’s something I have looked forward to ever since I found out about Mother Angelica in establishing the EWTN Network, the television station back in 1981,” said pilgrim Sharri Bennett. “I have followed her from 1985 on.
“I finally got to go and see all that she has accomplished. It has helped my faith tremendously. The Shrine of the Blessed Sacrament and the JPII Eucharistic Center were absolutely beautiful and very spiritual, very great. I would absolutely recommend this trip to others.”
