Speaking of the coming launch on Wednesday May 13, Canon David Paul, Cathedral Dean, said: “We are truly blessed to be given this opportunity for evangelisation. Radio Maria is growing fast and bringing the message of the Risen Christ to so many people, especially at this time when getting to Mass is not possible. We hope that extending the Cathedral borders to a much wider area may help many to know the love of Christ.”
The Feast of Our Lady of Fatima is a particularly appropriate time to begin these broadcasts, as it originates from a time when the world was gripped by a pandemic. In 1916 and 1917 first an Angel and then Mary appeared to three small children: Lúcia, Francisco and Jacinta in Fatima, Portugal.
Francisco and Jacinta both died in the Spanish flu pandemic that was then taking lives and destroying communities. As we are facing the challenge of a new international pandemic, and when our world needs a message of hope, the Cathedral is welcoming Radio Maria England, a new mission initiative for the Church.
Radio Maria England, which is based in Cambridge, is part of a larger family of 75 Catholic Radio Stations which began in Italy in 1983 and which now reaches millions of people across the world. It broadcasts through digital radio to Cambridge and London, and through the internet across the country, offering its listeners an opportunity to pray, to learn and to celebrate with the Church
The station provides daily liturgies, teaching and catechesis, covering faith and social issues, programs focusing on human and social development, and international news. A recent addition to the schedule is a programme on ‘Heroes of the Faith’ by Fr Luke Goymour from St Thomas of Canterbury in Brandon, which is being broadcast at 3.10pm from Monday to Friday.
Radio Maria is a non-commercial station and depends on its listeners and volunteers for funding and support. As well as broadcasting from the Cathedral, it is broadcasting from the Shrine in Walsingham, and Blackfriars in Cambridge. You can find out more by visiting the website: radiomariaengland.uk
Anyone who would like to support the launch with their prayers on Wednesday is invited to join in saying the following words:
Lord of the Word, who speaks to us, to our needs and our longings, may you break down barriers of doubt, disinterest, fear, pain, and isolation that your word might be heard.
You, Lord, are the Way, the Truth and the Life. May Radio Maria England be your instrument of proclamation, instruction, renewal, and love.
For the lonely and isolated: through this radio service create encounter and connection.
For the lost, show the way. For the confused, bring clarity. For the despairing and dying, give hope. For the searching, provide direction.
May you bless, protect, and prosper Radio Maria England, including all those who support its ministry and all who listen. Amen
Pictured above is St John’s Cathedral in Norwich