Archbishop (now Blessed) Fulton J. Sheen once said, “Who’s going to save our Church? It’s not our bishops, it’s not our priests, and it is not the religious. It is up to you, the people.”
Well, the future of our Church is in great hands with people like India Box! If you’ve ever wondered how EWTN produces all of those wonderful programs from their headquarters in Irondale, Alabama, look no further than India. She is one of the many talented professionals – “behind the lens” as she says – who produce and bring Catholic content to the world.
And, when you mix talent and faith with a mission… great things happen!
Bros: India, thanks for taking the time to talk with us! We are excited to hear about your work at EWTN and your perspective as a young Catholic.
India: What an honor it is to be chosen for this interview! Thank you!
Bros: Tell us, what is it like working at the EWTN in Alabama? It seems like the perfect gig, blending your professional talents and faith life.
India: I feel very fortunate to be working here, especially for the mission that Mother Angelica established. I have always loved television and knew in college that I wanted to blend my Catholic faith with my love of media. EWTN was the perfect place, and I feel very blessed to live fairly close. It seemed like Jesus wanted me to be here from the beginning.
Bros: It is truly amazing how God, in His divine will and wisdom, places us in the right place at the right time. And yes, what a gift to carry on the mission that Mother Angelica established.
Do you have a favorite behind-the-scenes story you can share?
India: Honestly, so many fun things happen behind the scenes here, but there is one that comes to mind right now. We had a guest on Women of Grace last year who brought relics of St. John Paul II. That in itself was already the coolest thing ever, but when I got closer to these relics, they emanated the smell of roses. I had never experienced anything like it before, and it is experiences like these that make me very thankful to be here.
Bros: Wow, that is quite amazing. What an experience – God is truly present in all things. As you think about your career at EWTN and truly a vocation, what is the most challenging part?
India: Personally, I would say that it isn’t a job to me but more of a mission to continue Mother Angelica’s legacy. The hours are the most difficult part for me, and I have had to understand that sacrifices have to be made to bring Jesus and the Gospel to the world through media. That sometimes includes holidays, late nights, or early mornings. You have to ask yourself, “Do you love what you’re tired for?” And my answer is always yes!
Bros: That is so cool. And going back to St. John Paul II, you have stated that he is one of your all-time favorite saints and you so appreciate the message of “Be Not Afraid!” So many things to fear today, but tell us more about your love for JPII and this message.
India: In a world that is constantly moving, with something always changing and always new, our brains as young people were never wired to process all of this at once. This can cause us to compare our walk with Jesus to that of others. We can feel like we are behind or simply not good enough, but the Lord constantly tells us, “Be not afraid.”
Our Lord is with us wherever we go, and He will give us the strength to make it through our most challenging struggles. When I think of St. John Paul II, I think of that phrase he used throughout his entire pontificate. Even after surviving an assassination attempt, he forgave the man who almost killed him. He led his life with the promise God has given us: to be not afraid and that the Lord is with us always.
That includes forgiving those who have hurt us, evangelizing to people who don’t know the love of Christ, and doing those things without fear.
I myself am scared of a lot of things. I don’t like change, being hurt by others, or experiencing injustice in my own life. But my motto is always “Be not afraid” because it’s something I have to continually remind myself of every single day. It is something God instructs us to do.
Bros: Yes, and as we all move forward together, as a younger Catholic, what is your perspective on the future of the Church, and what role will the next generation have in forming it?
India: I have seen a rise in young adults and even teenagers yearning for something more. Everyone is searching for something that is constantly present, and that is Jesus. I have seen more young people evangelize without fear, share the Gospel, and stand firm in their faith than ever before in recent years. I feel like the next generation is learning that a new way to evangelize is through modern forms of media, and I believe we are starting to see more of that.
Bros: So glad you brought up the new modern forms of media. What is your take on the role of social media and digital evangelization in our Catholic faith?
India: I have heard many times that social media is bad and that everyone needs to delete it and unplug from the world. Although it is healthy to stay off your phone at times and “unplug,” I do know that social media isn’t inherently “evil,” as some may say.
The devil can and will use anything to spread his lies and empty promises, but we can take what the enemy uses for evil and turn it around, using it for the benefit of the Kingdom of God.
Social media is the medium for the New Evangelization. It reaches so many people, and it has already changed lives. I personally have wanted to start posting about my faith because it is not only something that I love and adore, but also something I feel called to do. Our faith is ever ancient and ever new, and it is a beautiful feeling to share that on social media for the whole world.
The Lord can use anyone to bring souls to Christ, and if I can plant a small seed in someone’s heart by reminding them that the Lord loves them and wants them to grow in His Church, then my mission is complete.
Bros: India, this has been amazing and thank you for your witness and sharing the faith with our readers. Final question: Is there a go-to Catholic prayer or routine that you would recommend for others?
India: It seems simple and small, but the daily readings are powerful. I can’t tell you how many times I have read the readings of the day and found that the message was exactly what I needed to hear.
The Catholic Church gives us so many ways to pray, and I think using the daily readings as the basis for a Bible study is perfect. When you are struggling to find the words to say in prayer, simply say, “Jesus, I trust in You,” because no matter what, He will take care of everything.
India Box
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