EWTN Has Lost Their Way

In a recent podcast on Divine Will Era, Dr. Michael James and Martha offer a sobering critique of the current direction of EWTN, the once-trusted Catholic network founded by Mother Angelica. They opine that the network has strayed from its roots, allowing confusion, personal opinion, and even dissent from the Magisterium to take center stage—most recently in its treatment of Servant of God Luisa Piccarreta.

At the heart of their concern is a segment featuring Fr. Mitch Pacwa, a longtime figure on EWTN, who, along with his guest, dismissed Luisa as a “false mystic.” This came despite her ongoing canonization process and support from numerous bishops and saints, including St. Hannibal Di Francia, who approved and lived by her writings. For Dr. James and Martha, this public rejection of Luisa's spirituality represents a deeper issue: the undermining of Church authority on a platform trusted by millions.

They express particular sadness over Fr. Mitch Pacwa’s role, noting that he no longer seems like the strong, faithful teacher many grew up watching. Whether due to age or outside influence, they observe a troubling change—a once-vibrant defender of the faith now involved in spreading confusion and, perhaps unknowingly, contradicting the Church’s discernment.

Martha highlights the spiritual harm this causes, especially for those new to the teachings of the Divine Will. When a respected priest on a major Catholic network discredits a Church-approved mystic without clarifying that it’s a personal opinion, it creates unnecessary division and discourages sincere seekers.

Dr. James and Martha conclude by calling for a return to fidelity and transparency. Catholic media must clearly distinguish personal opinions from Church teaching. EWTN, they say, no longer reflects the mission Mother Angelica fought for—and that’s a loss not just for the network, but for the Church.

EWTN has lost their way. And faithful Catholics deserve better.