First of four programs to air Oct. 18
Southern Nebraska Register
The Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN) was in Nebraska this month to prepare several stories of international interest.
EWTN is a Catholic television network that broadcasts Catholic-themed programming around the clock. It is the world’s largest religious media network, reaching more than 425 million people in 160 countries.
Correspondent Mark Irons and his team prepared four reports while visiting the state. He described them for the Register.
Abortion ballot initiatives in Nebraska
“We spoke with Tom Venzor at the Nebraska Catholic Conference about ballot initiatives 434, and 439 and why Catholics should get out and make their voices heard this November,” he said.
Initiative 434 would uphold commonsense health and safety protections for women and babies, while Initiative 439 would legalize abortion in Nebraska late into pregnancy.
“We also heard from pro-life experts in the medical field, and in supportive services for women and families.”
This report is scheduled to air this Friday, Oct. 18, on EWTN News In-Depth at 7 p.m. CT.
State politician changes party affiliation
“Nebraska state Sen. Mike McDonnell spoke to us about becoming Republican after facing backlash in the Democratic party for his pro-life views,” Irons said.
The senator said he puts faith before politics, and told EWTN that St. Thomas More is a source of inspiration for him.
This report is scheduled to air Oct. 24 on EWTN Pro-Life Weekly at 9 p.m. CT.
Legacy of Father Flanagan at Boys Town
“We traveled to Boys Town and learned about the founder Father Flanagan, and the legacy he left at a place serving boys, girls, and families in need.”
The EWTN report comes after a documentary on Father Flanagan was recently released.
The piece will air in late November or in December, on EWTN News In-Depth.
Faith, family, and farming
“We spent the day with the Clark family in McCool Junction, and learned all about the influence of their Catholic faith on family farming. We heard from Allen and Shelly Clark and their three sons, including Father Eric Clark,” Irons said.
Father Clark, pastor of St. Peter Parish in Lincoln, celebrated Mass for the tight-knit community at St. Patrick Church in McCool Junction.
The date for airing this story is uncertain, but Irons said it may be broadcast in late November.
Father Kenneth Borowiak, pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Friend, helped coordinate the day in McCool Junction, and took photos of the EWTN team as they followed and interviewed the family.
Irons offered his gratitude to Father Borowiak for his assistance – and to the entire Clark family, “who allowed us to tag along and learn about their work on the family farm right in the middle of harvest season,” Irons said.
“We really enjoyed our trip,” he added. “Working with the diocese was fantastic, and we were welcomed by all. It was a joy to meet the people of Nebraska and hear how the Catholic faith inspires people to live and work throughout the Diocese of Lincoln and beyond.”
EWTN with the Clark family | Photos courtesy Father Kenneth Borowiak
