Dear John:

I cannot speak on Ferrara's book directly since I have not read it. From what I gather he believes that EWTN has been seduced somewhat by modernists since Mother Angelica stepped down.

There have been some recognizable problems at EWTN over the years. This is not unusual with a successful apostolate. I warn my own people of this potential as we gain in popularity. From a TV production perspective, EWTN has had many problems as well. Since EWTN is essentially the only kid on the block, it is not unusual to find some decided staleness of production and content quality, some of which friends of mine who are professionals in television production, have tried to help them, only to be rebuffed. Egos, pride, status quo are all dangers in any successful organization.

But, as to Ferrara's observations and accusations I am not in position to evaluate since not only have I not read his book, but I have not seen EWTN in years since I cannot afford the cable package that contains the EWTN broadcasts.

As to Christopher Ferrara himself, he seems to hang around those brand of kooks like Fr. Gruner and the Fatima Crusader people. That does not bode well for his credibility. In addition, some of the statements I have read seem to indicate that he might also be one of those nuts who disparages anything post Vatican II.

This does not mean that Ferrara cannot have some good points to make in his book. Perhaps he does, I do not know. But, what I do know of him, I do not trust his analysis of things. Fatima Crusader, disparaging anything post Vatican II, and the like is not the mark of a mature Catholic in my view.

God Bless,
Bro. Ignatius Mary