TV program notes -- week of March 16

NEW YORK (CNS) -- Here are some television program notes for the week of March 16 with their TV Parental Guidelines ratings if available. They have not been reviewed and therefore are not necessarily recommended by the Office for Film & Broadcasting.

Sunday, March 16, 1:30-4:30 p.m. EDT (EWTN) "In Concert: Bach: St. Matthew's Passion." The Choir of Kings College and the Brandenburg Consort plumb the depths of Johann Sebastian Bach's great musical representation of Christ's passion.

Monday, March 17, 10-11 p.m. EDT (Discovery) "Mystery at the Monastery." Host archaeologist Scotty Moore travels to the eastern coast of Iceland where archaeologists unearthed a startling discovery: Within the ruins of a 16th-century monastery, the bones of a young man lay in perfect condition -- save for two smashed shoulder blades. Was this unusual injury the result of a freak accident? Or is this body linked to one of the darkest periods in Iceland's history, the Reformation? (TV-14 -- parents strongly cautioned)

Tuesday, March 18, 8-8:30 p.m. EDT (ABC) "It's the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown." The Emmy-nominated springtime "Peanuts" special produced and animated by the late cartoonist Charles M. Schulz in which Charlie, Sally, Lucy and Marcie must get ready for the big day by making several unsuccessful attempts to prepare eggs for coloring. Not to worry, the Easter Beagle steps in to take care of everything! (TV-G -- general audience)

Tuesday, March 18, 10-11 p.m. EDT (PBS) "Iron Ladies of Liberia." This intimate "Independent Lens" documentary goes behind the scenes with Africa's first freely elected female head of state, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, president of Liberia. By Daniel Junge and Siatta Scott-Johnson. Terrence Howard hosts (TV-PG -- parental guidance suggested).

Thursday, March 20, 8-11 p.m. EDT (PBS) "New York City Opera: Madama Butterfly." The opera company presents Giacomo Puccini's story of a marriage between an American Navy officer and his geisha bride. When he abandons her after his tour of duty, he takes her love, her honor and her dreams for the future. When he returns to claim their son, she takes matters into her own hands. The "Live From Lincoln Center" presentation stars James Valenti and Shu-Ying Li (TV-PG -- parental guidance suggested).

Friday, March 21, 12-2:30 p.m. EDT (EWTN) "Celebration of the Lord's Passion With Pope Benedict XVI Live." The pope presides over the solemn celebration of Good Friday of the Lord's Passion, live from Rome.

Saturday, March 22, 5-8 p.m. EDT (EWTN) "Easter Vigil Mass With Pope Benedict XVI Live." The pope celebrates the Easter Vigil, live from Rome.

Saturday, March 22, 8-10 p.m. EDT (History) "Protestant Reformation." A documentary that sets out to show how the seeds of dissent blossomed into a spiritual, intellectual and cultural revolution that forever changed the shape of religion, through a blend of dramatic recreations, from the Spanish Inquisition to the debates of the American Pilgrims, as well as footage of key historical locations and contemporary images.

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