Mother Angelica

Canton Origins

One of Canton's most globally influential natives began life in humble circumstances on the city's southeast side. Rita Antoinette Rizzo, who would later become known worldwide as Mother Angelica, was born in Canton on April 20, 1923, to Italian-American parents John and Mae Rizzo.

Early Life and Challenges

Rita's early years in Canton were marked by significant hardship:

Her parents separated when she was only 5 years old
She and her mother lived in poverty during the Great Depression
They moved frequently within Canton's Italian-American neighborhoods
Rita suffered from various health problems, including a stomach condition that caused chronic pain
She attended Canton public schools, including McKinley High School

Despite these challenges, Rita developed qualities that would later define her public persona: resilience, determination, straightforward communication, and a sharp sense of humor.

Spiritual Awakening

While living in Canton in 1939, at age 16, Rita experienced what she would later describe as a miraculous healing from her chronic stomach condition after prayers to St. Thérèse of Lisieux (the "Little Flower"). This healing marked a turning point in her life and solidified her religious devotion.

Canton Connections and Heritage

Rita's Canton upbringing profoundly influenced her later work:

Her working-class background informed her practical, common-sense approach to spirituality
Growing up in Canton's multicultural environment gave her an understanding of diverse communities
The city's industrial character instilled values of hard work and perseverance
Canton's strong ethnic neighborhoods, particularly its Italian-American community, shaped her cultural identity
Local Catholic parishes provided her initial religious formation

Religious Vocation

In 1944, at age 21, Rita left Canton to join the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration in Cleveland, taking the name Sister Mary Angelica of the Annunciation. Her later religious journey would take her to:

The Sancta Clara Monastery in Canton, where she returned briefly
A new foundation in Sancta Clara, Alabama, established in 1962
Eventually founding Our Lady of the Angels Monastery in Hanceville, Alabama

Media Pioneer

What truly distinguished Mother Angelica was her remarkable vision for religious media. Starting from modest beginnings, she built:

A small recording studio in her monastery garage in 1971
A radio station in 1977
The Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN) in 1981, which began broadcasting from a garage-turned-studio

Against overwhelming odds and with no formal media training, this Canton native eventually created:

The largest religious media network in the world
Broadcasting to over 264 million households in 144 countries
A multimedia operation including television, radio, and internet programming
A global Catholic communications empire valued at over $400 million

Leadership Style and Impact

Mother Angelica's leadership approach reflected her Canton roots:

Direct, no-nonsense communication style
Practical approach to complex problems
Willingness to take entrepreneurial risks
Ability to connect with ordinary people
Combination of spiritual devotion and business acumen

Her influence extended far beyond media into:

Catholic theology and teaching
Religious publishing
Spiritual retreats and education
Church architecture and sacred art
Catholic evangelization methods

Return Visits and Continued Connections

Though her work took her far from Canton, Mother Angelica maintained connections to her hometown:

Occasional visits to family and friends
Mentions of Canton in her broadcasts and writings
Support from Canton residents for her ministry
Recognition from local organizations for her achievements
Continued interest from Canton's Catholic community

Legacy and Recognition

Mother Angelica's extraordinary journey from Canton to global religious leadership has been recognized through:

Multiple biographies and documentaries
Papal recognition from multiple popes
Honorary degrees from universities
Selection as one of Time magazine's most influential people
Induction into the Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Fame

Final Years and Lasting Impact

After suffering a major stroke in 2001, Mother Angelica stepped down from active leadership of EWTN but remained a beloved figure until her death on Easter Sunday, March 27, 2016, at age 92. Her network continues to operate and expand, carrying on the vision of a determined woman who began life in modest circumstances in Canton.

Canton's Pride

Today, Canton proudly claims Mother Angelica as one of its most influential natives—a woman who, drawing on the values and experiences formed in this Ohio city, built a global media enterprise and touched millions of lives worldwide. Her journey represents an extraordinary example of how far the influence of a Canton native can reach, making her an important figure in the city's historical narrative.