June 18, 2022 - Reported [here] EWTN, the world's largest Catholic media company, which was founded by Mother Angelica of Canton, is producing the series called "They Might Be Saints."

Wise was a mystic and a stigmatic, a mysterious condition which caused her to bleed from her head, hands and feet, reminiscent of Jesus' crucifixion wounds. According to reports, her condition began on Good Friday, April 3, 1942, and continued every Friday for two years except when Christmas fell on a Friday.

Wise's episode for "They Might Be Saints" was shot at several local locations last month, including in Wise's home-turned shrine and St. Peter's Catholic Church.

The 30-minute episode also features interviews and testimonials about Wise’s life, miraculous healings, and her profound impact on individuals from near and far since her death in 1948.

The episode airs at 10:30 a.m. July 7 on EWTN. A Mass on the anniversary of Wise' death on July 7, will be celebrated at 6 p.m. at St. Peter's at 726 Cleveland Ave. NW, followed by a showing of the episode at the Basilica of St. John Social Hall at 627 McKinley Ave. NW.

Thousands visited Rhoda Wise in the 1940s

In the 1940s, thousands of people from around the world descended on Wise's little house at 2337 25th St. NE, seeking healing and miracles. Wise reported numerous visitations from Jesus and St. Therese, also known as "The Little Flower."

Ironically, numerous ailments often rendered Wise bedridden.

The home became an official shrine and grotto in 2003.

"We are thrilled that EWTN is highlighting Servant of God Rhoda Wise’s story and can’t wait to share it with everyone," Karen Sigler, executive director of the Rhoda Wise Shrine, said in a prepared statement. "Servant of God Rhoda Wise’s life was one of heroic faith and virtue. There is something for everyone in her story which continues to be a great source of inspiration to all who come to know her. We greatly thank EWTN for the opportunity to share that miraculous and incredible story with the world."

Sigler wrote an authorized biography, "Her Name Means Rose," in 2000.

Wise was granted the designation "Servant of God" in 2017, the first step toward canonization, a process that can take decades, even centuries to complete.

In 2018, the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown presented the "The Acts of the Case" to Archbishop Christophe Pierre, Vatican nuncio to the United States, who submitted it to the Vatican, where it remains under study.

'They Might Be Saints' examines the lives of American Catholics on the path to possible sainthood

Michael O'Neill is executive producer and host of "They Might Be Saints," which examines the lives of American Catholics on the path of possible sainthood. Wise's episode is the 15th.

"I think Rhoda Wise's story is unique," O'Neill said. "I thought this would make for a very interesting episode. It is because of Rhoda Wise and the heating of Mother Angelica that EWTN came to be."

The episode includes interaction between Wise and Rita Rizzo, who would become Mother Angelica.

Rizzo credited Wise's intercessions to God for her miraculous healing from a chronic stomach illness when she visited the mystic's home in 1943.

In 1945, Rizzo became an original member of the Poor Clares of Sancta Clara Monastery. In 1961, she left Canton to start her own order in Hanceville, Alabama, where she also launched EWTN in 1981.

Mother Angelica died in 2016. She was 92.

In 2016, St. Raphael Books & Gifts in Jackson Township opened the Mother Angelica Museum. Owner Barbara Gaskell said EWTN contacted her for possible filming, but opted for another location.

'Saints intercede for use in heaven.'

O'Neill said sainthood is not like being placed in a "hall of fame."

"It's nothing like that at all," he said. "The church wants to give people an example of others who did it the right way. It's kind of laying out a road map for us to follow. Saints also intercede for us in heaven. Having these great examples, I also think it's a great opportunity for people to make friends with the saints."

The next step for Wise's case is being designated as "Venerable," which requires the confirmation of two miracles, followed by "Blessed," then full sainthood.

"The church is very slow with these things," O'Neill said. "This one is moving in the right direction."

To visit Rhoda Wise's home or [obtain] copies of The Rhoda Wise Story call 330-453-0322 or write 2337 25th St. NE Canton, Ohio 44705. Learn more about these events [here] and at [RhodaWise.com]. [Read/view] a biography on Rhoda Wise. Visit the Rhoda Wise Home Religious Center [Facebook].