Episode 167, A Journalist’s Journey from Politics to Divine Mercy

Peggy Stanton is an author, painter, and journalist who served as a news correspondent for ABC-TV in Washington, D.C. In 1990, she founded the MaryAnne Foundation to promote world peace through spiritual means. 

In this episode, we explore her captivating book, From the White House to the White Cross – Confessions of a TV News Correspondent, which recounts her fascinating life in Washington, D.C., and her profound spiritual journey. This powerful memoir details how her experiences in the world of politics ultimately deepened her faith and led to extraordinary encounters with God’s grace. The book is available at shopmercy.org, and readers can use code WHWC for a special offer.

Life in Politics

A devoted Catholic with a deep love for Our Lady and the message of Divine Mercy, Peggy’s story is nothing short of remarkable. As a journalist, she moved in high political circles, crossing paths with figures such as President Lyndon Johnson, Vice President Hubert Humphrey, President Gerald Ford, Fidel Castro, and Salvador Dalí. She later married Bill Stanton, a Congressman from Ohio, and their wedding was attended by numerous dignitaries.

A Transformation at the Cross

Though she always considered herself a faithful Catholic, Peggy’s visit to Medjugorje transformed her understanding of faith. It was there she realized Christ was calling her into a much deeper relationship with Him. Her book transitions into this spiritual awakening, including the incredible journey she undertook with her daughter, Kelly—an adventure filled with minor miracles from the start.

The book’s title references the White Cross, the large cross on Mount Križevac in Medjugorje, also known as “Jesus’ Mountain.” The pilgrimage profoundly stirred her soul, giving her a new perspective on life and faith.

Later, she pursued art and was inspired to paint an image of Jesus, The Divine Mercy. Through this work and her continued devotion, she founded the MaryAnne Foundation to encourage prayer as a means to world peace.

Despite having lived an exciting and fast-paced life in Washington, D.C., Peggy Stanton has come to understand that the true measure of success is not worldly power or prestige, but the love of God and of others.