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Mother Angelica: Her Grand Silence: The Last Years and Living Legacy
In a moving, dramatic conclusion to his four New York Times bestselling Mother Angelica books, Raymond Arroyo completes the saga of this singular nun with his most intimate book yet. For more than a decade, the beloved, wise cracking nun who founded EWTN, the world’s largest religious media empire, was confined to her cell at Our Lady of the Angels Monastery in Hanceville, Alabama. Though Mother Angelica is still seen and heard by millions each week in reruns on seven continents, the private drama within her monastery, her personal supernatural encounters, and the prolonged suffering she endured has remained hidden. Until now. Revealed for the first time is the personal request Mother made of God—which sheds light on her long silence. Here are Mother Angelica’s spiritual battles in her cell—including encounters with the devil—and the unrevealed episodes of hilarity and inspiration. From playing possum (to avoid undesirable visitors to her room), to undertaking a secret trip to the far East, to blessing her nuns as they leave her care to create new monasteries, Mother Angelica’s spunky spirit shines through the narrative. Mother Angelica Her Grand Silence, the touching, climactic coda to the Mother Angelica canon also offers readers the personal testimonies of people around the world who were spiritually transformed by Mother during her long public absence. And for the first time, the author writes movingly of his personal relationship with Mother—the highs and the lows.
231 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 17, 2016
112 people are currently reading
226 people want to read
About the author
Raymond Arroyo
24 books252 followersRaymond Arroyo is an award winning journalist, a New York Times Bestselling author, and a producer. He is the news director and lead anchor of EWTN News; creator and host of the international news magazine The World Over Live seen in 200 million households each week. Arroyo lives in the Washington DC area with his wife and children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
June 28, 2016
Loved Raymond's first book on Mother and found this to be just a tad disappointing because at times I felt it was slightly disconnected. It didn't flow as smoothly as I would have expected. That was only a minor disappointment though because the inside look at the inside convent life and the discord that surfaced came as a surprise to me . Mother Angelica continued to have one foot on earth and the other in heaven throughout her hidden life which is why I hold her so dear. She strengthened my faith and reading of her last years has reinforced my belief that she was a true servant of God and through her embracing the cross so willingly has now merited the crown of eternal life.
May 30, 2016
Thank you
What a beautiful telling of Mother Angelica's long final years. Thank you, Mr. Arroyo, for this candid and personal story. Thank you, Mother, for loving God's people as your own. I do believe you saved the Church in America, and countless lost souls like mine. Ora pro nobis!
What a beautiful telling of Mother Angelica's long final years. Thank you, Mr. Arroyo, for this candid and personal story. Thank you, Mother, for loving God's people as your own. I do believe you saved the Church in America, and countless lost souls like mine. Ora pro nobis!
October 12, 2020
A great addition to Arroyo's previous books on Mother. The inside look at her life post-stroke and the lives of her sisters is fascinating.
July 1, 2016
So worth reading about this remarkable woman of faith.
This woman of God feared no earthly mortal. With unyielding faith and grit, she brought the truth and her love of God to all corners of the globe. I daresay her foray into communicating the Catholic faith to the world, while not trying to compete with it, trumps the Vatican itself.
This woman of God feared no earthly mortal. With unyielding faith and grit, she brought the truth and her love of God to all corners of the globe. I daresay her foray into communicating the Catholic faith to the world, while not trying to compete with it, trumps the Vatican itself.
Read
May 21, 2016Raymond is a wonderful writer who had a remarkable subject to write about. May God be praised!
February 17, 2018
I did a much longer review for this when I read it but it has disappeared?
Regardless, I so enjoyed this read as it explained a lot to me. I had no idea how much Mother Angelica had suffered in her last 3 to 5 years. And how the order split and the other missions that originated with her own community's sisters in those last years and after her death were inspiring.
Just like her life. Aspiration and inspiration coupled with kindness and great faith in all varying times. But not always gentle, nor without a snark or two.
Regardless, I so enjoyed this read as it explained a lot to me. I had no idea how much Mother Angelica had suffered in her last 3 to 5 years. And how the order split and the other missions that originated with her own community's sisters in those last years and after her death were inspiring.
Just like her life. Aspiration and inspiration coupled with kindness and great faith in all varying times. But not always gentle, nor without a snark or two.
Read
January 24, 2019Thoroughly enjoyed it. Want to read other books about her.
June 13, 2016
This was a well-written and fitting tribute to Mother Angelica's legacy, focusing on the years since her debilitating stroke. Arroyo writes truthfully, not blowing smoke up her habit, but reporting as a responsible journalist, while revealing much of his own personal life and how it was affected by Mother.
Arroyo also provides a glimpse into the internal struggles, infighting, and politicking at Mother's monastery during these years, and how they were finally resolved.
This is a satisfying sequel to Arroyo's first biography of Mother Angelica.
Arroyo also provides a glimpse into the internal struggles, infighting, and politicking at Mother's monastery during these years, and how they were finally resolved.
This is a satisfying sequel to Arroyo's first biography of Mother Angelica.
May 23, 2016
There are no words. Who she was her entire life is a very timeless and awe-inspiring representation of who Christ is and how He asks us to live our lives by imitating those who devote their very essence of life to reaching that eternal happiness.
July 15, 2016
A well written book, full of information I had never heard before. I won't spoil it for you, but so entirely worth the read. Whether you watched Mother Angelica or do not know her, the book shows the strength and faith of this amazing woman.
July 13, 2016
Phenomenal story about an amazing pillar of the American Catholic Church! A must-read for anyone wondering whether God is working in society today. As a listener to EWTN, I thought I had heard most of the amazing things that Mother Angelica did, but there are so many more.
May 20, 2016
very inspiring!
May 20, 2016
Amazing! A wonderful book for a saintly woman.
June 14, 2016
Raymond's best book, in my opinion, about Mother. The Lord will speak to you while reading this book. Such a powerful witness to the love Mother had for our Lord and that she and Raymond shared.
November 6, 2016
Loved it though it's hard to let go of Mother.
April 25, 2019
I loved this book as much as the other two that Arroyo wrote about Mother. This was more poignant and bittersweet since she has now gone to her eternal reward.
July 30, 2017
A wonderful, wonderful book!
I have loved Mother Angelica and Raymond Arroyo for a long time. I thank God for their work. Raymond, this book nails Mother's style, grace, and personality right on the head. Thank you for this book.
Like so many others, I found Mother while channel surfing. Something in her many caused me to stop and listen. I liked what I heard. I was and am a disciple of Christ, although not a Catholic. Still, I appreciated the message of EWTN and found myself a frequent visitor to the network. Mother enhanced my life with her teaching. I cannot repay her the debt for what she added to my life, except, maybe, I could try living a more Christ-like life.
I have waited a long time to find a good book on Mother's life. I found one.
I have loved Mother Angelica and Raymond Arroyo for a long time. I thank God for their work. Raymond, this book nails Mother's style, grace, and personality right on the head. Thank you for this book.
Like so many others, I found Mother while channel surfing. Something in her many caused me to stop and listen. I liked what I heard. I was and am a disciple of Christ, although not a Catholic. Still, I appreciated the message of EWTN and found myself a frequent visitor to the network. Mother enhanced my life with her teaching. I cannot repay her the debt for what she added to my life, except, maybe, I could try living a more Christ-like life.
I have waited a long time to find a good book on Mother's life. I found one.
March 29, 2020
Mother Angelica: Her Grand Grace
I had watched every program on EWTN bypassing Mother Angelica's shows. I was raised Catholic and felt I knew how Mother would preach. She also looked intimidating. I don't even remember how I came to watch the first show, but she touched my very soul. I learned so much and I laughed, too. I was hooked. I watched as many shows that I could then ran out and needed to know about her life. That's when I turned to the books written by Raymond Arroyo. This book will be a permanent fixture in my collection. This was a game changer for increasing my faith and devotion to our Lord.
I had watched every program on EWTN bypassing Mother Angelica's shows. I was raised Catholic and felt I knew how Mother would preach. She also looked intimidating. I don't even remember how I came to watch the first show, but she touched my very soul. I learned so much and I laughed, too. I was hooked. I watched as many shows that I could then ran out and needed to know about her life. That's when I turned to the books written by Raymond Arroyo. This book will be a permanent fixture in my collection. This was a game changer for increasing my faith and devotion to our Lord.
January 11, 2020
Mother Angelica pray for us.
Thought I knew everything about Mother until I read this book.
My husband and I never missed a show and still watch reruns. I read her biography and other books written by Raymond. I knew Mother suffered a lot but really know how much until this writing.
Mother taught me a lot over the years about the faith and encouraged me to go to confession. She would say you'll feel free as a bird. She was right I did feel free after confessing my sins.
Thank you Raymond for this last book on Mother.
Thought I knew everything about Mother until I read this book.
My husband and I never missed a show and still watch reruns. I read her biography and other books written by Raymond. I knew Mother suffered a lot but really know how much until this writing.
Mother taught me a lot over the years about the faith and encouraged me to go to confession. She would say you'll feel free as a bird. She was right I did feel free after confessing my sins.
Thank you Raymond for this last book on Mother.
May 12, 2017
Ultimate Reading Challenge 2017. A book about an interesting woman.
This book is about Mother Angelica's later years when she was in such poor health that she rarely left her cell and very often was unable to speak with anyone. A life well lived! She did so much for so many in a rather unconventional way, but in the end her silence enabled her to return to the contemplative religious life that she had wanted in the first place.
This book is about Mother Angelica's later years when she was in such poor health that she rarely left her cell and very often was unable to speak with anyone. A life well lived! She did so much for so many in a rather unconventional way, but in the end her silence enabled her to return to the contemplative religious life that she had wanted in the first place.
February 15, 2018
Awesome book!
I love Mother Angelica and enjoyed this book so much. Though I never met her, I am blessed to know Mother Marie Andre, Sister Mary Fidelis, and Sister Marie St Paul, as well as the newest member of the PCPA in Tonopah, Arizona, Sister John-Mark. I am blessed to see them every Sunday when I attend mass at Our Lady of Solitude Chapel. I feel Mother Angelica's continued presence through them.
I love Mother Angelica and enjoyed this book so much. Though I never met her, I am blessed to know Mother Marie Andre, Sister Mary Fidelis, and Sister Marie St Paul, as well as the newest member of the PCPA in Tonopah, Arizona, Sister John-Mark. I am blessed to see them every Sunday when I attend mass at Our Lady of Solitude Chapel. I feel Mother Angelica's continued presence through them.
November 17, 2020
Raymond Arroyo's biography of Mother Angelica was published ten years before she died, so in attempt to complete the story, he crafts an abridged biography (including scenes omitted from the first book), and one that details her final decade in seclusion and decay. Arroyo inserts himself more into this book, allowing "Her Grand Silence" to embody a more "interview-esque" tone, allowing Mother Angelica to opine about life, rather than tell a story.
June 24, 2023
Another great book by Raymond Arroyo. Brought me back to golden years of my Catholic formation when EWTN nourished my faith and I had less wordly cares to worry about. However, the lifetime I have experienced since then, family, suffering and a loss of Catholic culture, has helped me appreciate anew the reflection that Arroyo gives on suffering snd the call to union with God, captured so well through an analysis of Mother Angelica's final years. Thanks, Raymond.
October 10, 2025
I can only imagine how hard must have it been for Raymond to write this book. He dives deep down into the suffering and spirituality of Mother Angelica. This will have a profound effect on one's spiritual life and self-reflection on how to know and love God even more and offering more suffering for him. Mother Angelica yet again leads by example and walks what she preaches. Incredible book of a hopefully a Saint in the making.
January 26, 2017
I loved Raymond Arroyo's biography of Mother Angelica, and Her Grand Silence is an honest accounting of the end of her life. This is a must read for anyone who ever enjoyed Mother Angelica's teaching on EWTN. In addition, this is a must read for anyone who is facing suffering in their lives, and is looking to find its purpose.
November 26, 2017
A Mother's Love
A 5 star rating for a book full of motherly love and wisdom. While Mother's faith is legendary her zest and pursuit of justice were a re elation to me. Knowing she was on the loving side of civil rights gives me one more reason to respect her. May her soul rest in eternal peace and grace.
A 5 star rating for a book full of motherly love and wisdom. While Mother's faith is legendary her zest and pursuit of justice were a re elation to me. Knowing she was on the loving side of civil rights gives me one more reason to respect her. May her soul rest in eternal peace and grace.
January 10, 2018
A Saint For Our Times
Mother Angelica was and still is the voice of authentic Christian faith. Raymond Arroyo again brings to us the life and this time death of a true Saint. I don't need the Church to declare her a Saint, I heard and read the voice and words of Our Lord come from her constantly.
Mother Angelica was and still is the voice of authentic Christian faith. Raymond Arroyo again brings to us the life and this time death of a true Saint. I don't need the Church to declare her a Saint, I heard and read the voice and words of Our Lord come from her constantly.
November 19, 2025
Wonderful read!
Just finished reading this wonderful novel. I am from Birmingham, Alabama. My youngest son was one of her electricians, She came out and talked to me.
What an electrical read. One of my bosses worked for her.
She was a great and beautiful person. Jeanette Stracner
Just finished reading this wonderful novel. I am from Birmingham, Alabama. My youngest son was one of her electricians, She came out and talked to me.
What an electrical read. One of my bosses worked for her.
She was a great and beautiful person. Jeanette Stracner
August 30, 2017
I really enjoyed this book and the fact that Raymond Arroyo is a good writer made the book all the better. My late mother-in-law introduced me to Mother Angelica, telling me about this nun who "really tells it like it is." I found this book to be quite inspirational.
January 18, 2018
God bless Mother Angelica This is a great read
I loved this book as I have loved the other books on Mother Angelica. Mother Angelica is a saint in our times Her we wisdom faith and love have helped and saved many. God continue to bless her❤️❤️❤️
I loved this book as I have loved the other books on Mother Angelica. Mother Angelica is a saint in our times Her we wisdom faith and love have helped and saved many. God continue to bless her❤️❤️❤️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews