Blessed Beyond Words: the EWTN Summer Academy

by Kat Galdo Diaz

I had the privilege and pleasure of participating in the 2026 EWTN Summer Academy in Rome, Italy. Out of hundreds of applicants, only 40 participants were chosen. Blessed beyond words, among those chosen were Yana Villajos of Cubao Media and myself, representing the Philippines!

The author Kat Galdo Diaz of TV Maria (left) and Yana Villajos of Cubao Media

We arrived in Rome on the 20th of June—2 days before the official start of the Academy which was set from June 22 to July 2, 2026—to get settled-in and appreciate Rome since we were both first timers.

We had the chance to visit St. Peter's Basilica on our first day and were mesmerized by the rich beauty and history of literally every corner of the Basilica. We were in awe and could not come to our senses that we finally made it to Rome!

Kat Galdo Diaz and Yana Villajos at St Peter's Basilica

Intense

​The entirety of our EWTN Summer Academy was a whirlwind of intense talks and rigorous sessions. Three to four sessions a day plus immersive workshops stretching across ten long days sounds incredibly exhausting—and honestly, it was! Yet the moment I made the conscious choice to be truly present and open-hearted, that heavy physical exhaustion gave way to one of the most profoundly beautiful experiences of my life.

Participants of the EWTN Summer Academy

​The road to Rome wasn't easy. It needed resilience.

While preparing for this trip, I faced a wave of setbacks and difficult decisions. But deep in my heart, I felt a quiet certainty that this was God’s plan, not my own. This was my Dominus Est! I prayed fervently for guidance, asking above all for the grace to embrace whatever was waiting for me at the academy with open arms and an open mind.

​What I found there was a breathtaking blend of affirmation, profound realization, and deeply personal discovery.

It wasn't just about validating the professional work we do; it was my source of spiritual grace.

The comforting rhythm of daily Masses and the quiet healing of confession were exactly what my weary soul needed. They restored my spiritual strength and I breathed anew, ready to embrace the mission entrusted to me.

It was wonderfully affirming to see that TV Maria is on the right track, our true purpose shining with absolute clarity: It is not about us; it is all for God. We are here to transcend boundaries, reaching out to touch lives and hearts through the content we produce.

The mission hasn't changed. The tools have.

Human Connection

The academy also sparked a beautiful realization about human connection. We came from entirely different cultures and nationalities but when bound together by a shared goal and mission, absolutely anything becomes possible.

True creation requires ardor, and it demands the vulnerability to collaborate with complete strangers. I say this because my heart was deeply moved by my team, the "One Take Wonders." It was magical to witness how we evolved from absolutely nothing into something extraordinary—from strangers to friends. We poured our individual talents into our tasks, ultimately weaving our gathered strengths into a beautiful output.

​Finally, there was the discovery of myself. I never knew I possessed the strength to do this. I never imagined I could stretch my limits so far or step so boldly out of my shell. And I certainly never felt I deserved such an outpouring of grace from God.

I may feel unworthy, but I am learning to trust in His perfect plan.

Every single morning, waking up to the majestic view of St. Peter’s Basilica bathed in the morning light and the melody of the chirping birds, I thanked God for this immense grace and the precious gifts He has entrusted to my care. I continue to pray for His steady guidance, so that I may use these talents righteously and exactly as He intends.

Kat Galdo Diaz is a digital creator and

the Social Media Manager of TV Maria.

She is also host of the show LakBites.

Photos supplied by the author.