Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word
Encyclopedia
The Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word (MFVA) is a Public Clerical Association of the Faithful, located in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama
. They were founded in 1987 by Mother Angelica
, who also founded the Eternal Word Television Network
(EWTN) and the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament.
The primary residence of the Friars is in Irondale, Alabama
, and is next door to EWTN. They also have residences in Emmitsburg, Maryland
, where their Seminarians attend the seminary at Mount Saint Mary's University
, and in Hanceville, Alabama
, near the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament.
The Friars’ apostolate is to communicate the Catholic faith by word and example. It involves using the media: television, radio and the Internet, as well as publishing and conducting retreats. Currently, they focus their attention on the television and radio ministry, in addition to providing for the spiritual needs of the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration, the EWTN employees, and the visitors who come to EWTN and the Shrine.
Many of the Friars take classes during the school year, either at Mount Saint Mary’s University or in their own House of Studies adjacent to the Friary in Birmingham. In contrast to Franciscan communities that focus on the corporal works of mercy, the Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word devote themselves to the spiritual works of mercy. Therefore, they study to gain a deep knowledge of the Catholic faith and practice communicating it effectively.
Adapting to the needs of the time, they have developed into an active order, but still maintain elements of the contemplative life. In addition to praying the Liturgy of the Hours
, the Friars devote an hour each day to Eucharistic Adoration
and pray the daily Rosary
. Spiritually, they are sons of Saint Francis of Assisi and Mother Angelica
, and strive to imitate their zeal for the salvation of souls.
The community is composed of Priests and Seminarians, as well as Consecrated Brothers. With the Priests attending to the pastoral needs of souls, and the Seminarians to their studies, the Brothers have ample opportunity to serve the apostolates
by supplying the common needs of the Friars and through varied assignments in the television, radio and pilgrimage ministries. As a family, or team, all the members share a common goal of continuing Christ Jesus’ work on Earth and bringing about His Eucharistic reign in the hearts of all people.
Roman Catholic Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama is a particular church of the Latin Rite of the Roman Catholic Church that encompasses the northern 39 counties of the U.S. state of Alabama. It was erected on December 9, 1969, when it was split from the Archdiocese of Mobile...
. They were founded in 1987 by Mother Angelica
Mother Angelica
Mother Mary Angelica of the Annunciation, PCPA is an American Roman Catholic nun who founded the Eternal Word Television Network. In 1944 she entered the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration, a Franciscan religious order for women, as a postulant, and a year later she was admitted to the order as a...
, who also founded the Eternal Word Television Network
Eternal Word Television Network
The Eternal Word Television Network is an American cable television network which presents Catholic-themed programming. It was founded in 1980 by Mother Mary Angelica of the Annunciation, PCPA...
(EWTN) and the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament.
The primary residence of the Friars is in Irondale, Alabama
Irondale, Alabama
Irondale is a city adjacent to Birmingham, Alabama, United States northeast from Homewood and Mountain Brook. At the 2010 census the population was 12,349. The book Fried Green Tomatoes, by Irondale native Fannie Flagg, is loosely based around the town and the landmark Irondale Cafe, known as The...
, and is next door to EWTN. They also have residences in Emmitsburg, Maryland
Emmitsburg, Maryland
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 2,290 people, 811 households, and 553 families residing in the town. The population density was 1,992.9 people per square mile . There were 862 housing units at an average density of 750.2 per square mile...
, where their Seminarians attend the seminary at Mount Saint Mary's University
Mount Saint Mary's University
Mount St. Mary's University, also known as The Mount, is a private, liberal arts, Catholic university in the Catoctin Mountains near Emmitsburg, Maryland. It was founded by French émigré Father John DuBois in 1808 and is the oldest independent Catholic college in the United States...
, and in Hanceville, Alabama
Hanceville, Alabama
Hanceville is a city in Cullman County, Alabama, United States. At the 2000 census the population was 2,951.-Geography:Hanceville is located at .According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , all of it land....
, near the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament.
The Friars’ apostolate is to communicate the Catholic faith by word and example. It involves using the media: television, radio and the Internet, as well as publishing and conducting retreats. Currently, they focus their attention on the television and radio ministry, in addition to providing for the spiritual needs of the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration, the EWTN employees, and the visitors who come to EWTN and the Shrine.
Many of the Friars take classes during the school year, either at Mount Saint Mary’s University or in their own House of Studies adjacent to the Friary in Birmingham. In contrast to Franciscan communities that focus on the corporal works of mercy, the Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word devote themselves to the spiritual works of mercy. Therefore, they study to gain a deep knowledge of the Catholic faith and practice communicating it effectively.
Adapting to the needs of the time, they have developed into an active order, but still maintain elements of the contemplative life. In addition to praying the Liturgy of the Hours
Liturgy of the hours
The Liturgy of the Hours or Divine Office is the official set of daily prayers prescribed by the Catholic Church to be recited at the canonical hours by the clergy, religious orders, and laity. The Liturgy of the Hours consists primarily of psalms supplemented by hymns and readings...
, the Friars devote an hour each day to Eucharistic Adoration
Eucharistic adoration
Eucharistic adoration is a practice in the Roman Catholic Church, and in a few Anglican and Lutheran churches, in which the Blessed Sacrament is exposed to and adored by the faithful....
and pray the daily Rosary
Rosary
The rosary or "garland of roses" is a traditional Catholic devotion. The term denotes the prayer beads used to count the series of prayers that make up the rosary...
. Spiritually, they are sons of Saint Francis of Assisi and Mother Angelica
Mother Angelica
Mother Mary Angelica of the Annunciation, PCPA is an American Roman Catholic nun who founded the Eternal Word Television Network. In 1944 she entered the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration, a Franciscan religious order for women, as a postulant, and a year later she was admitted to the order as a...
, and strive to imitate their zeal for the salvation of souls.
The community is composed of Priests and Seminarians, as well as Consecrated Brothers. With the Priests attending to the pastoral needs of souls, and the Seminarians to their studies, the Brothers have ample opportunity to serve the apostolates
Apostolates
Apostolates are organizations of the Catholic laity devoted to the mission of the Catholic Church.-Explanation:Most understand the term "apostolate" to be synonymous with the term ministry, or outreach, such as "youth ministry." The disambiguation is seen when one considers that within Catholic...
by supplying the common needs of the Friars and through varied assignments in the television, radio and pilgrimage ministries. As a family, or team, all the members share a common goal of continuing Christ Jesus’ work on Earth and bringing about His Eucharistic reign in the hearts of all people.
External links
- Franciscan Missionaries of the Eternal Word - Website
- Eternal Word Television Network
- Roman Catholic Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama
- Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament
- Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration - Troyes, France
- Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration - Charlotte, North Carolina
- Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration - Phoenix, Arizona
- Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration - San Antonio, Texas
- Mount Saint Mary's Seminary
- Catholic Encyclopedia Article - Saint Francis of Assisi
- Catholic Encyclopedia Article - Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy
- Institute on Religious Life - Men's Affiliates