Irondale, AL (EWTN) - Mother Angelica has been accorded a major honor by the international magazine, Mensaje del Papa (Message of the Pope), by being designated their 2002 "Duc in Altum" award winner.

"Duc in Altum" roughly translates to "Put Out Into Deep Water," the words Jesus spoke as He suggested to Peter and his companions where to cast their fishing nets. According to the two presenters, Cardinal Antonio María Rouco Varela of Madrid and the magazine's president, Alberto García Ruiz, the "Duc in Altum" award is given to only a select few individuals who have been instrumental and obedient in spreading the gospel to the world.

José "Pepe" Alonso, popular host of EWTN's Spanish language program, Nuestra fe en Vivo, accepted the award in Madrid, Spain on behalf of Mother Angelica.

Meanwhile, Mother Angelica and her Nuns participated recently in the taping of a new Rosary from Our Lady of the Angels Monastery in Hanceville, Alabama for use on EWTN Global Catholic Network beginning sometime in the First Quarter of 2003.

According to Sister Mary Catherine, Vicar of the Monastery, Mother Angelica continues her physical and speech therapy to overcome the difficulties she encountered when she suffered a major stroke nearly a year ago.

"Mother is doing quite well, day to day," she said, "And she is very excited about taping the Rosary.

Sister Mary Catherine said Mother Angelica herself led the Nuns in praying each of the Mysteries, including Pope John Paul II's five new "Mysteries of Light."