New York City, N.Y., Dec 13, 2017 / 09:45 am
Franciscan friar and EWTN host Fr. Andrew Apostoli, CFR, passed away on the morning of Dec. 13, his community has confirmed.
Fr. Apostoli was a founding member of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal and was a regular on EWTN programming, most recently as the host of "Sunday Night Prime."
He also authored numerous books and was considered one of the leading experts on the Our Lady of Fatima apparitions.
"All of us at EWTN are saddened by the loss of our dear friend Father Andrew Apostoli, CFR. Father Andrew was a constant presence on the Network for nearly twenty-five years, particularly as the host of 'Sunday Night Prime' for the past five years," said Michael P. Warsaw, Chairman of the Board and CEO of the EWTN Global Catholic Network.
Fr. Apostoli was born Joseph Dominic Apostoli on July 3, 1942 in Woodbury, New Jersey, and was the second of four boys. He first encountered Capuchin Franciscan friars at his parish in 8th grade and was inspired by their joy.
"I felt that the brothers were joyful and I wanted the joy that I saw," he told the Catholic Herald in 2015.
He met Archbishop Fulton Sheen while attending high school seminary, and would later be ordained a priest by Archbishop Sheen on March 16, 1967. He would eventually become the Vice Postulator for Sheen's cause for canonization.
Fr. Apostoli was a founding member of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal in 1988, and was also influential in the founding of the Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal.
During his time in active ministry, Fr. Apostoli served as a teacher, retreat leader and spiritual director. He also wrote many spiritual books on subjects including Our Lady of Fatima and the Holy Spirit. His most recent book, "Answering the Questions of Jesus," is a book designed to lead readers into deeper reflection on each of the personal questions Jesus asks in the Gospel.
Fr. Apostoli first appeared on EWTN on the "Mother Angelica Live" program in July of 1993, together with Fr. Benedict Groeschel, and taped his own series for the network in 1994, which first aired in 1995.
In 2012, Fr. Apostoli took over as host for EWTN's "Sunday Night Prime" which had previously been hosted by Fr. Benedict Groschel, a fellow Franciscan Friar of the Renewal.
On November 10, Fr. Apostoli announced on the CFR's website that due to declining health, he could no longer maintain a public schedule. Over the past month, the brothers have been posting brief health updates about the priest and asking for prayers.
In the morning of Dec. 13, the brothers confirmed that he had passed away.
"We always looked forward to his many visits to Irondale to produce programs," Warsaw said.
"He was such a kind and holy man who always brought joy to the EWTN Family and who was a constant witness to the Franciscan spirit. We will certainly miss him."