Christ is risen alleluia!

This Easter Season we celebrate the triumph of God’s love over sin and death. The grave cannot contain the immense power flowing from the heart of God. It has no choice but to give way to life. But this life is not a return to a former life. It is a life that entered the realm of the Eternal. It is a life promised to those who follow the Way of Christ.

This season is a very good time to renew our commitment to the mission of Radio Maria Philippines which is “Christ alive in every home”. Surprisingly, our mission has a tone of Easter Proclamation. But just like Christ, the fulfillment of this mission depends on our willingness to do the Will of Father. For Christ, the Will of the Father for him is to give up his former life so that he would receive a glorious life not only for himself but for all those whom he redeemed. 

In the past ten years, we have accomplished things beyond what others have expected of us. We have two repeater stations already in the Northeastern part of Luzon. Soon we will have an increased power of 3,000 watts in Tarlac and a new repeater station in Zambales. But we should not remain contented with these accomplishments. Our very mission challenges us to spread in the whole Philippines. In addition, we are being challenged to go beyond the Philippine borders. The World Family of Radio Maria has given us a twin radio, Radio Maria Uganda. 

However, we need the breath of new life in our mission. It seeks a new freshness and vigor. It demands our capacity to accept whatever is positively new. It is a challenge to change. But this change implies giving up our former lives both as individuals and as an institution without compromising our identity. It means our willingness to enter the darkness of the tomb in order confront all our fears. Those who completely put their trust in God, a new life awaits them. 
 Let us then continue our journey! May the Risen Lord guide us on our way.

 HAPPY EASTER TO ALL!

Fr. Jay M. Policarpio
Director
Radio Maria Philippines
director.phi@radiomaria.org

Radio Maria Philippines is now TEN YEARS! Thanks to the generosity of our benefactors, the sacrifices of our volunteers and staff, and the appreciation of our listeners.

What else could we say about these ten years but a genuine JOURNEY OF FAITH.  It is true that our initial involvement in the work of evangelization is perhaps imposed upon us by our Faith, that is, in virtue of baptism the conscientious Christian among us has no choice but to support the mission of the Church. However, I have personally witnessed how many of our benefactors, volunteers and staff gradually embraced this duty through their free choice, definitely a true reflection of a mature faith.

It is my sincere belief that nobody in this radio has allowed oneself to be involved in the work of Radio Maria without ones faith a major influence in the decision to embrace this mission, even for a paid staff. For how could this decision be not a real of act of faith when Radio Maria does not even promise material security to its paid staff? Each day depends on the generosity of her listeners and friends. That is why each day is a gift.  In spite of that, we have witnessed the efforts of our confreres to offer their very best in the fulfillment of their assigned tasks.

Again, how could it not be a real act of faith when all we have is little resources for a mission which is undeniably colossal in proportions? We are still struggling for self-sufficiency.  We have many volunteers, but still more are needed. We have many tasks before us but we still need more adequate facilities, reliable equipments and enhanced skills in order to complete them.

But the things we are lacking with are met by what we have, perhaps, in nearly extraordinary ways. In the face of uncertainties, we have responded with greater confidence in God's Providence; in times of difficulty we have practiced more patience; in the times of want, we have displayed deeper faith in the goodness of our friends and listeners, genuine kindness to one another, and a renewed generosity; and when things are beyond our grasp, we have learned a greater sense of humility.

However, there is something more in these ten years. We have learned other important things necessary for our survival. Our capacity to forgive one another's failings, our ability to appreciate differences, our tolerance even to unique characters, our willingness to go beyond ourselves, our love for the Church and our deeper awareness of the demands of our discipleship have indeed formed us into a community of believers, and for that matter, a Community of Dreamers!
Thank you for allowing us to become BELIEVERS!

Fr. Jay M. Policarpio
Director, RM Philippines
director.phi@radiomaria.org