This week, EWTN brings you a little bit of heaven on earth!

 First, we celebrate. Pope Benedict XVI’s trip to Fatima at the invitation of the Portuguese Bishops to commemorate the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima on the anniversary of the first of the apparition at this internationally-renowned site.

In addition, we celebrate Mother’s Day by airing Mother Angelica’s seven-part series on heaven.

Viewers of EWTN have the opportunity to, literally, travel the world with the Holy Father. His visit to Portugal begins at 6 a.m. ET, Mon., May 10 with his arrival at Lisbon Portela International Airport.

A welcoming ceremony is scheduled for 7:45 a.m. ET on Tues., May 11, at “Mosteiro do Jerónimos,” a large and beautiful 16th Century monastery near the Atlantic Ocean. After visiting what some might call the seat of Catholicism, the Pope will make a courtesy visit at 8:30 a.m. ET, to the seat of worldly power when he visits the Portuguese President in his palace. Finally, at 1 p.m. ET, the Pope will preside over Mass in the "Terreiro do Paço," the finest square in the great city of Lisbon. (Encore at 7 p.m. ET).

The following day, activities begin at 5 a.m. ET, when the Pope meets with representatives from the world of culture. At noon, watch the Holy Father’s arrive in Fatima where he will visit the Chapel of the Apparitions at the Shrine. At 1 p.m., the Pope will preside over vespers with priests, religious, seminarians and deacons in the Church of the Most Holy Trinity. (Encore at 10 p.m. ET) Finally, at 4:30 p.m. Wed., you have the opportunity to watch the Holy Father preside over the Blessing of the Candles on the Esplanade of the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima – followed by the recitation of the rosary!

Thursday, May 13, the anniversary of Our Lady of Fatima, begins at 5 a.m. ET when the Holy Father says Mass at the Shrine. He will then visit the Shrine’s basilica, where the Fatima visionaries -- Francisco, Jacinto and Lucia – are buried. (Encore at 9 p.m.)

On Friday, May 14, his final day in Portugal, the Pope will celebrate Mass at 5 a.m. in “Av. Dos Alados” Square in the heart of Porto. (Encores at noon ET, and 10:30 p.m. ET) He departs for Rome at 8:30 a.m. ET.

Before any of this begins, don’t miss Sunday’s Mother’s Day Marathon, featuring Mother’s Angelica’s seven-part series on heaven. The fun begins at 10 a.m. ET, and is followed by episodes at 11 a.m. ET, 1:30 p.m. ET, 2:30 p.m. ET, 8 p.m. ET, 9 p.m. ET, and 10 p.m. ET.

You may want to record this one to study throughout the year as a family. It’s a great meditation for all of us – especially the sick and the dying. As a parish priest in Birmingham recently told his congregation, “I think sometimes there’s a little too much grieving when someone dies. If they’ve lived a good life, think about where they are going!”

PAPAL VISIT TO FATIMA

MASS IN LISBON - LIVE ( 150 mins)
The Pope will preside over Mass in the "Terreiro do Paço" in Lisbon.
Tue 5/11/010 1:00 PM ET / 10 AM PT Live
Tue 5/11/10 7:00 PM ET / 4 PM PT Encore

MEETING WITH THE WORLD OF CULTURE - LIVE ( 1 hr)
The Pontiff will meet with representatives of the world of culture.
Wed 5/12/10 5:00 AM ET / 2 AM PT

ARRIVAL IN FATIMA AND VESPERS - LIVE ( 2 hr)
The Holy Father arrives in Fatima. There, he will visit the Chapel of the Apparitions in the shrine and preside over vespers with priests, religious, seminarians and deacons in the church of the Most Holy Trinity.
Wed 5/12/10 12:30 PM ET / 9:30 AM PT Live
Wed 5/12/10 10:00 PM ET / 7 PM PT Encore

BLESSING OF THE CANDLES AND ROSARY - LIVE (1 hr)
Pope Benedict XVI will preside over the Blessing of the candles on the Esplanade of the Shrine of Our Lady of Fátima followed by the recitation of the rosary.
Wed 5/12/10 4:30 PM ET / 1:30 PM PT Live

MASS IN FATIMA - LIVE ( 150 min)
Benedict XVI will preside over a Mass at the shrine. After Mass, he will visit the shrine's basilica, where the Fatima visionaries, Francisco and Jacinta Marto and Lucia Dos Santos, are buried.
Thu 5/13/10 5:00 AM ET / 2 AM PT Live
Thu 5/13/10 9:00 PM ET / 6 PM PT Encore