Suzanne and Mary Ann, touring the campus in preparation for the show

On August 2, 2017, Mary Ann Dantuono and I appeared on EWTN Live as guests of Rev. Mitch Pacwa, S.J. The invitation to appear was the result of many months of communicating with Fr. Mitch and his production staff–- I think of the widow and the Judge (Luke 18: 1-8) when I think about the efforts of Mary Beth Legg, former board member and Lady of Charity in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.

The program was an hour long. The first half hour we spent conversing with Fr. Mitch and viewing parts of a video “Serving with a Vincentian Heart.” (You can see this video in its entirety, below.) We talked about our history, our spirituality, our works, and the Vincentian Charism. The second half of the show was spent answering “Call-In” questions and audience questions, where we were able to elaborate more on our spirituality, the Vincentian Family, Junior Ladies of Charity, and LCUSA’s upcoming national caregiving project.

The program generated a high number of views to our website and hopefully will result in a renewed interest in the Ladies of Charity and growth of our membership, to enable us to continue the good works begun by St. Vincent de Paul to serve those in poverty.

Suzanne Johnson, President
Ladies of Charity USA

Editor’s Note: We just received word from EWTN that they’re working on uploading a recording of the show to their YouTube channel (youtube.com/ewtn). Once we get the link, we’ll add it as a comment to this post.

L to R: Mary Beth Legg, Mary Ann Dantuono, Constance O’Brien, Fr. Mitch Pacwa, and Suzanne Johnson at a reception hosted by Constance O’Brien.

Suzanne Johnson and Fr. Mitch Pacwa

Many positive comments were received following the airing of this show on August 2. Here are a few:

“I hope your message touched the hearts of many laywomen eager to live the Vincentian charism. It is gratifying to know that the laity is carrying on his spirit in this way. Keep up the good work!” In St. Vincent, Sister Marie Poole, D.C.

Congratulations Ladies on a great presentation representing the Ladies of Charity USA!!! Thank you for sharing our history and ministries with the EWTN viewers. Lucy Saunders, Past President LCUSA

Great program! Both of you certainly shared in a very encompassing manner….not only the Ladies of Charity, but in your explanation of the Vincentian Family. Thank you! Sister Jane Burger, D.C., Vincentian Spiritual Advisor, Ladies of Charity, Evansville, IN

Note: For more videos like this, visit the Ladies of Charity USA’s special website for the 400th Anniversary.

#AIC400 #famvin400