The Healing Journey

August 22, 2026

“There are no shortcuts or positive-thinking techniques we can employ when it comes to death.”
— Mother Angelica

Mother Mary Angelica of the Annunciation, otherwise known as Mother Angelica, had a no-nonsense approach to faith, but she also possessed a compassionate side that endeared her to millions of fans. She knew suffering in her life, even during her years as a Poor Clare of Perpetual Adoration. It was nothing short of a miracle that she started Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN) in a garage and became an international success.

What people of all faiths appreciated was that she spoke their language when it came to the trials we confront in life. This is what she had to say about grief:

“All of us, at one time or another, will carry the cross of losing a loved one. In some cases, it will involve the serene but sad passing of a parent who lived a long and dignified life. Other times, it will not be part of the normal rhythms of life, and the suddenness of death, especially the death of a child, may throw us into disorientation, rage, and bitterness. As Christians, when we must face death, we have two responsibilities. The first is to maintain our relationship with God during these moments, and the second is truly to honor the love we had for the departed by remembering them, praying for them, and seeing them as the gift they truly were and are. If we fulfill our first responsibility to keep in right relationship with God during these moments of acute pain and suffering, our second responsibility as Christians—which is to honor our departed loved ones—becomes easier. We will be better able to picture the reality of our loved one’s continuing existence and joy. That person’s joy will be a consolation, even if it doesn’t take away the misery we now feel. There are no shortcuts or positive-thinking techniques we can employ when it comes to death. We are going to feel pain and sadness about losing our loved ones, and that’s that.”

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