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Spring 2018 Newsletter Welcome to our Spring believes there are more Newsletter! The crocuses candles lit there than in and snowdrops are any other Church in bravely showing forth Ireland - to the their flowers and the intercession of St. daffodils are proudly Valentine of course - rising forth ready to whose remains are bloom in time for St. enshrined there beneath a Patrick’s Day. Signs of statue depicting the saint new life, thank God! holding a crocus. Who is there that does not want Lent & St. Valentine to love and to be loved? The clash of St. Are we not made in Valentine’s Day with God’s image and Ash Wednesday perhaps struck a likeness after all? discordant note this year. But, then again, maybe it taught us too that New Life authentic love demands sacrifice. Such New signs of life also accompany was the sacrifice of St. Valentine, who this, our third publication, issuing died a martyr of the Church after the now to our increasing numbers of example of Our Lord and Saviour who benefactors and friends and lived according to his own especially to all of you who teaching – ‘no greater love has are hearing about Radio any man than to lay down his Maria Ireland for the first life for his friend.’ Such dying time. We are so grateful for to self is the stuff of Lent as it the marvellous support and is also the sure path to eternal encouragement we have been happiness. receiving. Many listeners are May the Lord grant that the Prayer, so pleased with our new Catholic Sacrifices and Almsgiving you Talk-Radio Station, featuring as it undertake at this penitential time bear does a healthy spiritual diet of daily great fruit for you here and in the life to Prayer, including Holy Mass, the come. Divine Office of the Church, Rosary Fr. Seán MacGiollarnath O.Carm, the and Divine Mercy Chaplet; morning Parish Priest of Whitefriars Street ‘Chatechesis’ - hosted by yours truly Church in Dublin, visited our studio - and so many interesting interviews before Christmas and told us that he and talks from around the country.

Radio Maria Ireland, Unit 8, St. Anthony’s Business Park, Ballymount Road, Dublin 22 www.radiomaria.ie [email protected] Listen Live: +353(0)1 4373277 Ph: +353(0)1 4123456 Text: +353(0)89 4672000 And all of this without even one Our Blessed Lady has given us the advertisement. ready means to reach out. You are Do pick up a copy of our latest CD fortunate to have received this compilation (no. 4) for a colourful and message of love from her - the varied audio listening tour of our more invitation to Radio Maria. Please recent broadcasting, and please do share freely share this gift! with your friends. If Radio Maria inspires you, it can Thank you too to our friends at the inspire others - globally annual Divine Mercy Conference for Nearly 20 years ago, a group of helping to promote Radio Maria Ireland. faithful and devoted persons Our dear departed Fr. Michael Ross undertook the challenge to introduce it SDB and founding Priest Director, was to Ireland, and on May 13th, 2015, of course a gallant Radio Maria began supporter of the work broadcasting from of the Committee that its first European organises this great English-speaking event each year. My station located in he rest in peace.

Without your help, how are we to Ballymount, Dublin. Now, almost 3 grow? years later, thanks to the support of its Without the strong conviction of listeners, Radio Maria Ireland is faithful people like you, Radio Maria broadcasting every day - programmes would never have been born. We give to reach the heart wherever there is a person in need. thanks to the Blessed Virgin Mary for the great gift of this ministry, and whose The World Family Of Radio Maria guidance and inspiration have drawn you is the parent organisation for Radio to our Radio Maria family. Maria Ireland. Based in Italy, it works How many people there are around to guide the many stations in finding the world or even just next door to us resources to sustain operations, and who feel they have no one who cares spread Our Lady’s mission. about them; no one to support them Having begun very humbly in when they are tested by life; no one to Erba, Italy 35 years ago, Radio Maria pray for them or with them? is now a global World Family with 77 radio stations in 70 countries over 5 continents broadcasting in over 40 recruits joining the ranks of our languages. volunteers to make RMI further known I have recently returned from a and loved: Eamon in Kildare, one of European gathering of Priest Directors our gallant volunteers has since and Presidents/Co-ordinators (see completed his first round task of photo) representing 25 nations, many of contacting all of the parishes in 23 of which, like us here in Ireland, are in an the 26 Dioceses around the country via early stage of development but email to advertise us in their experiencing tremendous fruitfulness newsletters - a formidable total of even in very trying circumstances. nearly 1,200 parishes. Well done again Some of the stories told included that to that man! of a listener in Serbia, Stella, who, Please help us to become better listening to Radio Maria, was drawn known by telling your friends and back to prayer and the sacraments and neighbours, advertising for us in your has since married the man with whom local parish or elsewhere. If you would she was cohabiting. The Priest Director like some of our bookmarks to pass of RM Kosovo spoke of the continuous around too, do let us know. flow of converts from A Promotion Car is an Islam to Catholicism essential acquisition if we are he is witnessing to continue to grow into the through his radio New Year. Can you please ministry – as many as help us with this project? We 10 each year. In Spain, have received contributions a man suffering from totalling €3,000 so far and depression and have a little way to go before loneliness takes great consolation in the we can afford to get on the road company and familial presence of his properly. new friends on RM. In Holland at a recent broadcast Cathedral Mass, a The Mariathon - Our Turn to Share woman spontaneously prayed a very Growth is not limited to our local needs either. We are strongly heartfelt and emotional Prayer of the encouraged to think globally. Freely we Faithful overcome with thanksgiving for have received, freely we are called to the support she finds in RM there. And give. The Mariathon is our annual in South Tyrol, Italy, a religious sister fundraiser to build up the World said that RM had saved her vocation as Family. It runs on the principle of the in it she had rediscovered what was Gospel story of the Widow’s Mite. missing in her community life – daily prayer, formation and fellowship. Over a period of days in May we will propose the assistance of listeners to At Your Service help contribute towards the We are so delighted to be of service establishment of a new Radio Maria to you, our listeners, and so grateful for Station. your positive experiences of Radio Our Mariathon Theme is to be: ‘The Maria Ireland. Joy of Evangelisation’ We will have more on this in our next Promotion and Growth newsletter to you, please God. Promotion continues too with new Building a Culture of Life great event happening throughout There is much loud talk, it seems, in Ireland and with the anticipation of a favour of removal of the Eighth possible Papal Visit in August this year. Amendment to our Listen in as Brenda Drumm, the Constitution, which WMOF Media and Communications in its safeguarding of Manager, regularly updates us on the the equal right to life many events and preparations of the Mother and surrounding this historic occasion. An her Unborn Child, event not to be missed. has demonstrably saved the lives of at How to Listen least 100,000 Irish Radio Maria Ireland now has its own citizens. Many of the arguments posed dedicated App for all mobile devices: for repeal offer little or no search for - Radio Maria Ireland. consideration for the sanctity of the life Our Facebook page is laden with of the innocent unborn child. news and images. It is a great way to God alone is the giver of life. Every keep in touch with our latest activity. baby is indeed a miracle, a blessing, a The App will connect you directly to all gift – no matter how conceived, of our Social Media Platforms – whether wanted or not, whether Website, Facebook; Instagram, Twitter disabled or not. So, by whose authority and YouTube. may we decide who should or should There are still many people who not be allowed to live? have yet to hear of this new Irish Such a great evil as the destruction Catholic Talk-Radio Station. Anything of innocent life affects us all. Pray with you can do to pass on the word will be us every day for Faith and for Life. of immense help to us. Join us on Radio Maria Ireland as we Every grace and blessing of this seek to keep informed of the great Holy Penitential Season to all our good that is being done by so many friends and supporters and assuring you wonderful families and excellent Pro- all of a place in our daily prayers, Lifers to protect both Mother and Fr. Eamonn Unborn Child in our country. Our very ______future depends on it! Testimonies World Meeting of Families Thank you so much for the messages of Amoris Laetitia – The Joy of Love encouragement, praise and support is our daily spiritual reading during our which continue to come into us Catechesis programme at 11am each regularly here at the studio. weekday. We are meditating and ‘Hi there Radio Maria! I'm sitting back in discussing the richness of this Papal my easy chair and loving your show...You won a new listener and promoter here Exhortation and its many practical today. So touched for that simple prayer to insights for family life and conjugal the Holy Mother. I’m praying for all there. self-donating, free, faithful and fruitful The Web is my preferred way to listen but I love. see that you also have an app. I'm going to Share your thoughts with me on air, get all the folks at my parish to download.’ pray the Official Prayer and hear the -Phil Hymn composed especially for this ______Volunteering at Radio Maria Ireland has Chrysostom who said: “No act of virtue been a revelation. I learned about Radio can be great if it is not followed by Maria through some family friends, Noel advantage for others. So, no matter how and Anne Buckley sometime just before much time you spend fasting…if you do Christmas. Besides the wonderful staff and other no good to others, you do nothing volunteers who drop by from time to time, great.” This is in no way to downplay the whole atmosphere is a family affair. the role of sacrifice during the Lenten There is always something for everyone to season. Lent is a good time for penance do in Radio Maria as you are led by the and self-denial. But as Pope Francis Holy Spirit to use your gifts. reminds us these activities must truly Fellowship, Prayers, Holy Mass, computer enrich others and he said that, “I distrust work, editing files, Burning CD's, sorting out a charity that costs nothing and does not leaflets, visiting parishes, working on the hurt.” consoles, doing live shows etc. This he describes as “the The experience thus far has been uplifting and rewarding in many ways. Come on over globalisation of indifference” and that and give it a try! Hope to see you soon!! means if we are just caught up in our Joseph Chukwuma Ahumibe. own interests and concerns, there is no Newbridge, Co. Kildare, longer any room for others, and no place ______for the poor. The problem is that that if Decorating our Oratory we show indifference to our neighbour it You may be able to help us: We would will mean we turn a deaf ear to God’s like to acquire a worthy and suitably ornate voice in our conscience which guides us small Altar and Ambo to complete our to act charitably. The Pope said that, studio Oratory. “we end up being incapable of feeling I wonder if any reader/listener knows of compassion at the outcry of the poor, the availability of such items - perhaps an old side-altar or convent altar no longer in weeping for other people’s pain, and use and in need of a good home? feeling a need to help them, as though Do contact us if so. Thank you. all this were someone else’s ______responsibility and not our own.”

Fast from Indifference When we fast from indifference we Trust Pope Francis to come up with a can feast on love and Lent is the perfect new approach! His suggestion for time to love again. Jesus lowered Lenten observance a few years ago was himself in such a way to bring everyone that we might fast from indifference up. When someone asks you “What did towards others. you give up for Lent?” you have a According to The Holy Father, fasting choice – if you want to change your must never become superficial. He often body, then give up the treats; but if you quotes the early Christian mystic John want to change your heart, make room inside to experience a love towards others which can change the world. To invite someone to become a listener to Radio Maria Ireland is certainly to fast from indifference and would be an ideal practice of charity for this Lenten Season. The Tuesday YouChat team: Fr. David Vard, Aidan O’Rourke, Aidan Edwin Reyes, Anthony McGorian and Alana Bradley

Congratulations! which comes with abundant Dear Listeners & Volunteers! blessings, naturally. Thanks be to God and His Blessed Please join us in the prayerful Mother, your Catholic Radio support we offer too to all who are celebrates its 2nd Anniversary of the working so hard to protect life in official launch on the Airwaves. On Ireland, Europe & the whole world. 11th Feb 2016, His Grace Archbishop Don’t forget our Irish Catholic Diarmuid Martin prayed the official Bishop’s initiative for the protection Radio Maria prayer, shared words of of life from the moment of wisdom, blessed and launched Radio conception to natural death - Maria “On Air” and along with Fr. www.chooselife2018.ie. As Pope Michael Ross SDB (RIP) we Francis reminds us, “We are called dedicated RMI to the people of to defend and safeguard human Ireland. life, especially in the mother’s Similarly, we met His Grace womb, in infancy, old age and Archbishop Eamon Martin and through physical or mental he shared words of wisdom, prayerful disability.” support and blessings during the In May 2017, RMI’s listenership official launch of World Meeting of base crossed the Irish sea and Families in Dublin (2016) and also emerged as a global radio despite during The Servant of God, Frank ongoing challenges and difficulties of Duff’s Annual Mass in Dublin’s Pro- all sorts. We soon discovered Cathedral (2017). His Grace extended that 50% of our daily listeners come his gentle invitation to our brothers from outside of Ireland. Please and sisters in the Legion of Mary and remember that this non-commercial all our brothers and sisters in Christ radio belongs to you all. Sincere to consecrate our homes to the Sacred thanks to all our listeners, supporters Heart of Jesus through the and volunteers for your ongoing Immaculate Heart of Mary. prayers, support, listenership, volunteering & fellowship without which this would not have been possible. Please join me along with our fellow pilgrims in faith around the world, as we prepare for Lent 2018 Bishop Kevin Doran with Brian Murphy our President, Joy & Fr. Eamonn through a good sacramental confession. As Jesus said to St. Sincere thanks to Bishop Kevin Faustina, “I am only hidden by the Doran of Elphin Diocese for his Priest”. prayerful support and blessings during our pilgrimage to Sligo When you approach the confessional, Cathedral made shortly after the Feast know this, that I Myself am waiting of the Epiphany. Similarly, sincere there for you. I am only hidden by the thanks to all our Bishops and priest, but I myself act in your soul. Priests for their prayerful support Here the misery of the soul meets the Your Catholic Radio Station in Ireland – Please help us in this great work of New Evangelisation! Please remember my intentions in your Daily Prayers for the Benefactors and Friends of Radio Maria Ireland:

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✓ Yes, please add my name in support of Radio Maria Ireland:

Name: ______Address: ______Mobile: ______Email: ______I will pray and offer a suffering I have for RMI I can promote RMI locally Send me literature/CD’s to give to others I would like to visit the Studio and get involved I can join in for Live Prayer via Skype/Phone I am good at Administration and can spare some time I can help at the Reception Desk Other talents I have...Social Media/Mixer Desk/Presenter etc. God of mercy. We will look forward to attending Tell souls that and perhaps meeting you at the Annual from this fount of Divine Mercy Conference. If we don’t mercy souls draw get to speak with you there, do call in graces solely with and visit us at our studio in Ballymount, the vessel of trust. Dublin 22, adjacent to the Red Cow If their trust is Hotel. great, there is no “Blessed are the merciful, limit to My for they shall receive mercy.” generosity. The - Matthew 5:7 torrents of grace ‘Tá Dia láidir is máthair mhaith aige. ‘ inundate humble souls. The proud Joy remain always in poverty and misery, because My grace turns away from them to humble souls. (1602) - From the Diary of St. Faustina

Please visit our website and download the Confession talk given by our Priest Director Fr. Eamonn McCarthy or, if needs be, drop us a line and we can send a copy out to you by post. Peter Sands with Joy, Aidan, Kristian and Joseph

Dear Friends, The “Joy of Evangelisation”, is a message of light that will illuminate our path in the coming months. It helps us understand the reason for Radio Maria’s existence, the reason why we all - priests and laypersons, each with our own skills - carry out this service. Our task is to spread the Gospel in today’s world, with all of its potential and difficulties, so that people might return to God and bring salvation to their souls. This is the goal we must never lose sight of, our goal to which all the means that Providence puts at our disposal must be subordinated. We are at Radio Maria not to work toward human objectives, however noble they might be. Much less are we here for our own glory or affirmation. Rather, we are here to serve God and collaborate in his work of salvation at this historic moment when Peter’s boat is rocked by storms and humanity is at risk of self-destruction. We must be aware of Mary’s great gift by which she calls the world to conversion through our faithful and generous response. This is not any task we are called to but divine work par excellence, evangelisation, to which we all - each in their particular spheres - must contribute with dedication, with a spirit of sacrifice, and with hearts full of joy. Yours in Christ, Fr. Livio (RM Founder) Prayer for the Church in Ireland

...To you, Triune God, confident in the loving protection of Mary, Queen of Ireland, our Mother, and of Saint Patrick, Saint Brigid and all the saints, do we entrust ourselves, our children, and the needs of the Church in Ireland. Amen.

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Radio Maria Ireland, Unit 8, St. Anthony’s Business Park, Ballymount Road, Dublin 22 www.radiomaria.ie [email protected] Listen Live: +353(0)1 4373277 Ph: +353(0)1 4123456 Text: +353(0)89 4672000