Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Mangalore (Agenzia Fides) - Catholics in Mangalore diocese, in the southern Indian state of Karantaka, especially young people, have welcomed the news that they will now be able to watch one of the most popular Catholic TV networks ETWN Eternal Word Television Network. An agreement for the programmes, including those led by famous Sister Angelica, to reach southern India via cable TV was signed between the local diocesan Catholic communications office and, Mangalore's main cable TV supplier V-4.
Satisfaction for the agreement was expressed by the diocesan communications officer Rev Victor Vijay Lobo who said this will enable the faithful that to follow Catholic events all over the world, the Pope's activities and listen papal addresses and homilies, to access formation offered by some of the Church's best teachers and experts, and televised celebrations of Mass, and the recitation of the Rosary will offer special comfort to people confined to their homes or beds. Rev Vijay said this window on world Catholicism “will strengthen our faith and enable not only Catholics to deepen their understanding of the truths of the faith. Mangalore hopes other dioceses will follow suit so many Indian Catholics will have access to EWTN in India.
ETWN broadcasts in English, spoken in cities in India but less in villages. Mangalore's younger Catholics welcome the arrival of ETWN which will enable them to participate at least virtually in the great Catholic Church event of the 23rd World Youth Day in Sydney Australia in July 2008. “Now they will be able to live the event in communion with young Catholics all over the world as well as those in Australia, making the pilgrimage in their heart”, said Rev. Victor.
ETWN, launched in 1981 in Alabama USA, has become one of the world's most popular networks whose religious programmes reach about 123 million people in 140 countries 24 hours a day. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 20/09/2007 righe 26 parole 278)
