Dear friends,

Just recently we bid goodbye to another year but not without having a taste of the challenges inherent in the work of a non-profit, non-commercial Catholic radio station. The past year has tested our  endurance, our creativity, our faith, our trust, our patience and even our devotion. We have discovered more deeply what it means to be involved in the mission of Radio Maria. When we really did, we might just have realized how much courage and strength we have.

We have discovered not only what we can do, but also our limitations. We are glad that we have friends to stand by our side. It has also given us the opportunity to see so much goodness and talents in other people within and outside the Diocese of Tarlac. For all of these, we thank the Lord.

The new year is about to bring us surprising changes and new challenges which I am certain are not easy ones. But after knowing quite well our volunteers, I am very confident about their commitment. We might just be able to pull things off, especially if we have at our disposal the
power of faith. First, there is a need to accommodate in our plans and operations the fact that Radio Maria Philippines is a rapidly growing family. Second, the economic instability in a worldwide scale, including Europe, means that Radio Maria Philippines will have to be 100 percent self-sufficient sooner than later. Third, the receding material and financial resources of the World Family of Radio Maria due to economic crisis should invite us to aim not only for a self-sufficiency program but also for a capacity to reach out to other countries. Fourth, the pervading presence of materialistic values in the world is a sign that a lot of hard work is to be done in the area of evangelization. Fifth, quality programs, effective and efficient job performance, and well-motivated staff presume holistic and systematic formation programs and careful selection
of people. And last, the change of leadership is possibly at our doorsteps.

However, we must not forget that our many accomplishments are not always due to our skills, talents and hard work. In our ten years of experience in the broadcast media, our funds, competence and hard work have never been enough. In many ways Radio Maria is always poor. In spite of this, we are still able to accomplish things. It is because God continues to bless our work. That is why we continue to trust Him and one another while we offer the best of ourselves in the mission of Radio Maria.

Welcome to a challenging but certainly a promising new year!

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

In times past, God spoke in partial and various ways to our ancestors through the
prophets; in these last days, he spoke to us through a son, whom he made
heir of all things and through whom he created the universe...

(Hebrews 1:1-2)

For all of us involved in the work of communicating God's love through the airwaves, Christmas is a time to open ourselves to God's greatest communication to us, that is, His Son Jesus our Lord. Our accomplishments in bringing God's love to our listeners are in no way to be underestimated. But all of these pale when compared with what the true encounter with Christ can accomplish.

Let us then be vigilant with Christ's coming into our lives. He comes to us in unexpected manners. He comes to us through the manger - and everything it meaningfully represents. He comes to us through a family, just like the family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. He comes to us also through His Word and the Sacraments.

But certainly he has already visited us in the radio and He is in the faces of our listeners, volunteers and benefactors who never fail to remind us of God's providence and goodness. To them I would like say "THANK YOU VERY MUCH!" Thank you for letting us experience the love of Christ in the flesh by your solicitude for the mission of Radio Maria. In this season of hope may you be filled with His blessings and with His peace...

A BLESSED CHRISTMAS TO ALL!

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

Dear Friends,

Last October 2011, Pope Benedict XVI announced a special “Year of Faith” for the Church that will begin on October 11, 2012- the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council and will end on November 24, 2013 - the feast of Christ the King. According to the pope, the reason for this special Year of Faith is for Catholics to “appreciate the gift of faith, deepen their relationship with God and strengthen their commitment to sharing faith with others.”

This announcement is timely since next year Radio Maria Philippines will celebrate its 10th Anniversary Foundation (February 11, 2012). We would like to celebrate our anniversary in a way that is significantly contributory to the fulfillment of the thrusts of the Holy Father for this coming year. It is my hope that the reasons outlined by Pope Benedict XVI will be seriously considered in all our activities beginning on the year 2012. Below are some particular concerns:

Appreciate the gift of faith (Creed)
We would like to augment our efforts to present the Catholic Faith in a simple language so that it could be appreciated and understood by all types of listeners. We would like also to invite more priests who will assist us in elaborating the truths of our faith.

Deepen their relationship with God (Conversion)
We would like to encourage all Radio Maria volunteers, staff, benefactors and listeners to commit themselves to prayer. At the end, the main goal of Radio Maria is the conversion of its listeners and all the people involved in its mission. Through prayer we recognize our inability to affect conversion without the grace of God.

Strengthen their commitment to share it with others (Mission)
We share our faith by not only through words, but also through examples. It means becoming witnesses.  The pope says, “What the world is in particular need of today is the credible witness of people enlightened in mind and heart by the word of the Lord, and capable of opening the hearts and minds of many to the desire for God and for true life, life without end.”  He further explains that “Faith grows when it is lived as an experience of love received and when it is communicated as an experience of grace and joy.”

Indeed, exciting but challenging tasks await us this coming year. Let us draw our inspiration from the realizations the Lord will grant us by reflecting on the theme of “Two Days with Radio Maria” this November 18-19, 2011 which is DICIPLES OF MARY, MISIONARIES OF JESUS. 

God Bless

Fr. Jay M. Policarpio
Director, Radio Maria Philippines

Dear friends,

This month of October, the Holy Mother Church reminds us again to include in our daily prayers one of the most beautiful prayers in the Catholic tradition, the Rosary. The Blessed Pope John Paul II has given us a number of reasons why we should not neglect this prayer. Quoting from the introduction of his Apostolic Letter "ROSARIUM VIRGINIS MARIAE", the pope says:

“The Rosary of the Virgin Mary, which gradually took form in the second  millennium under the guidance of the Spirit of God, is a prayer loved by countless Saints and encouraged by the Magisterium. Simple yet profound, it still remains, at the dawn of this third millennium, a prayer of great significance, destined to bring forth a harvest of holiness. It blends easily into the spiritual journey of the Christian life, which, after two thousand years, has lost none of the freshness of its beginnings and feels drawn by the Spirit of God to “set out into the deep” (duc in altum!) in order once more to proclaim, and even cry out, before the world that Jesus Christ is  Lord and Saviour, “the way, and the truth and the life”(Jn 14:6), “the goal of human history and the point on which the desires of history  and civilization turn.”

Some of our noble goals as Christians would include knowing the secret of prayer and knowing Jesus more intimately. By allowing ourselves to be formed in the School of Mary, which is the Rosary, the Blessed Mother will not fail us in fulfilling these goals. It is because Mary allows us to see Jesus as she sees him when we devoutly pray the Rosary and when we meditate deeply on each mystery. It is perhaps a new way of looking at the Lord because we are looking at him through the eyes of a mother. It is a more intimate way of looking at Jesus.

In addition, the Blessed Mother helps us to be conformed to Christ. In many ways the graces flowing from the sacraments of the Church and the Word of God are already doing this, but the richness of the means of grace in the Church also includes the Rosary. In this prayer, Mary always reminds us about the mysteries of the life of Christ. She helps us make Christ the center of our life until we become like Jesus.

Let us, then, make this moment a good opportunity for us to grow in holiness and prayer. Let us pray the Rosary!

God Bless!

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

Dear Friends, 

                September is a month very special to Radio Maria because of its Marian character. In this month we celebrate the feasts of the Birth of Mary, the Our Lady of Sorrows, the Our Lady of Peňafrancia and the Holy Name of Mary. It is perhaps for us a propitious time to renew our trust in her maternal care, reminding ourselves that Mary has always been our reliable companion in our mission.

                Until now she continues to play an active role in the growth of our radio station. For example, we are never wanting of people who volunteer to host new programs for Radio Maria. Although, we are facing a serious challenge towards self-sufficiency, at least we have witnessed our significant improvement in our collection of funds. Moreover, more people are beginning to pray and offer sacrifices for the success of our mission.

                The next two years will inevitably be more exciting and challenging years for Radio Maria Philippines because of the foreboding change in the political, economic, religious and social landscape, nationally and globally. The increasing interest of the World Family of Radio Maria  WFRM) to establish Radio Marias in Asia will stimulate in us a critical reflection on our readiness to contribute to the world apostolate. Furthermore, this coming 2012, Radio Maria will have to cope up with the new reality of an increased power output (from 500 watts to 3,000 watts) which could be quickly translated into “more strategic promotional campaign of the volunteers and staff.”  

                The Blessed Mother encourages us to trust in the Divine Providence more than ever. Let us be more faithful in our prayers. Let us pray for one another. We should not also forget those who have been very good and helpful to us.        

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

Dear Friends,

                 The year 2011-2012 is declared as the Year of Promotion by the World Family of Radio Maria.  “Duc in Altum”, literally means go out into the deep, is the theme that will give direction to our promotional activities. The World Family invites us to cast our nets into the sea of the world. As an initial response to this invitation, the Promotion Department of Radio Maria has already outlined its 1-year promotional activities. I asked our friends and listeners to support these activities. However, I also would like to invite all, especially our listeners, benefactors, volunteers and staff, to help us promote Radio Maria’s mission by making known to others our radio programs and projects in your personal levels. Perhaps, we can begin by inviting our own households, friends, relatives, neighbors, co-workers and acquaintances to make Radio Maria a part of their day by listening to our programs regularly.

                However, I also would like to point out that another good way of promoting the mission of Radio Maria is by “going into the deep”. It means going deeper in the many aspects of our life which are related to the radio and our Christian commitment. If people could perceive our deep sense of commitment to Radio Maria…if they could see our growth in faith… if our love grows steadily stronger and our service better, then it should be of no surprise if people begin to own our mission. It is because there is no substitute to a life of WITNESS.

                Coinciding with the Year of Promotion is the anniversary celebration of the formal opening of our repeater station 101.5 FM in Tuguegarao City on June 19. We thank the Lord for choosing the Archdiocese of Tuguegarao as the locus of the inception of our expansion projects. With the unyielding commitments of Archbishop Diosdado Talamayan and Bishop Ricardo Baccay and the zeal of our volunteers, the repeater station has become so prolific in terms of meaningful programs. It is our hope that as our volunteers in the Archdiocese of Tuguegarao gradually understand and live out the charisma of Radio Maria, they may be able to contribute significantly in our expansion projects, for in essence Radio Maria is a missionary radio station. So, our prayers and congratulations to our confreres in the Archdiocese of Tuguegarao!

Dear Friends,

At the beginning of the Easter Season Pope Benedict XVI has left us a great challenge. In his Easter message our Beloved Pope mentions about the “rejoicing of the whole cosmos” and the “peace and gladness in heaven” brought about by the resurrection of Christ.  But this great rejoicing remains to be fulfilled here on earth because there are still “cries and laments that arise from so many painful situations: deprivation, hunger, disease, war, violence”.  He particularly mentions about the crisis situations in the Middle East and in some African countries that brought about untold sufferings among the people, especially those who are innocent. .”  The light of Christ needs to shine in still many parts of the world. 

We cannot remain indifferent. As part of the human family let us respond to the challenge of Pope Benedict XVI.  I would like to ask our listeners, including our staff, volunteers and benefactors, to become promoters of the message of the resurrection. With the power of Christ we will overcome death and everything associated with it: ignorance, poverty, violence, meaninglessness, despair, hatred, sin, etc.  Our faith should inspire us to actively participate in the different initiatives to improve our lives and to promote human dignity. Our radio programs and the way we project our presence on the radio should also contribute to making our listeners’ lives better by contributing to the growth of their Christian and human life.

However, we must not forget that another powerful way of overcoming the powers of death is to become real witnesses of Christ’s resurrection. It means that Christ is alive in our lives. It means that joy characterizes our daily living. And finally, it means that we refuse to become mere victims of our tragic situations; instead, we make them as opportunities to grow more in faith, hope and love through the grace of Christ’s resurrection.

 Happy Easter to all!

Dear Friends,

This year Radio Maria Philippines celebrates its 9th year anniversary foundation. As another year for Radio Maria Philippines unfolds, the Lord has given us another special gift- the new repeater station in Isabela. Thanks to the living faith of the people of Isabela, the mission of Radio Maria has found a fertile ground in which the Word of God will surely produce abundant fruits of holiness and goodness. We would like to express our sincere thanks to Bishop Joseph Nacua, Sis. Maria Norniňa Caleon, Msgr. John Arthur Bartolome, Mr. and Mrs. Jose Jocson, Bro. Vir Nunez, Sis. Aurora Betty dela Cruz, Bro. Melchor Paguirigan, Sis. Noly Caleon, Sis. Janet Colobong and Bro. Rey Mallari, just to name a few. Without them the Radio Maria mission in Isabela would not have been possible.

In this Lenten Season I ask you, please join us in offering more prayers and sacrifices for the mission of Radio Maria. Our prayers have sustained us all through these years. It will not fail us in the coming years when our work will surely face the greater challenges. Let us include in our prayers our dear benefactors, our volunteers and our staff. As part of our solidarity with mankind, we also pray for all those who suffer because of the conflicts in some countries of Africa and the Middle East, and those who suffer because of the natural calamities and man-made disasters. We also pray that the mission of the World Family of Radio Maria in Africa may continue to grow. It is my hope that by expanding our vision and concerns we may have a meaningful celebration of the Lenten Season because it teaches us to go beyond ourselves and helps us to embrace a cause much greater than our own.

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

Dear Friends,

For Radio Maria November is indeed a month when we remember those who are dear to us. This would include the saints and all those who have died. During the celebrations of the All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day we especially manifest our communion with them through prayers. Just like families, we help one another. We pray for our faithful departed brothers and sisters to aid them in their journey to heaven, while the saints continue to inspire us and intercede for us and all the souls in purgatory.

“WE REMEMBER HOW YOU LOVED US…WE CELEBRATE…WE BELIEVE!”

So goes our proclamation during the celebration of the holy mass. Our memory brings us together and transforms us into a real family. Such a powerful experience also moves us to celebration. But there is more, it makes us A COMMUNITY OF BELIEVERS as it nourishes our faith.

This is also our profound experience in the celebration of the 2 Days with Radio Maria. For this year it will be on November 26-27, 2010. More than 50 countries, where Radio Maria stations are doing tremendous service for the Church, join together in prayer and international programming in order to strengthen one another in the work of evangelization through radio broadcast.

I invite our listeners and friends to join us in this celebration. We will be reflecting on the theme “LIVING AS MARY, THE BLISS OF FAITH TODAY”. I hope that with this experience of family and love, you may find more inspiration and reason to support our mission.

Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother, may God bless you.

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

Dear Friends,

The month of August brings to us once again our Blessed Mother Mary by celebrating the Solemnity of her Assumption. In a document entitled Munificentissimus Deus (1950), Pope Pius XII solemnly defined the dogma of the Assumption as follows:

The Immaculate Mother of God, the ever Virgin
Mary, having  completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body  and soul into heavenly glory.

For centuries, theological constructs have been made in order to explain the circumstances of the life of Mary in her last days in this world. The question: “Did she die or not?” continues to recur. Other theologians argue that since Christ Himself experienced death, it is fitting that Mary should also experience the same  because her life is so intimately connected with that of her son’s.  However, the definition provided by Pope Pius XII does not have any mention of Mary’s death, although it may be implied in the phrase “having completed the course of her earthly life.”

Indeed, according to the different traditions in the East, Mary died a human death. But Thomas was not present to witness it, just as he was absent when Jesus rose from the dead and appeared to those who were gathered inside the room. Since he was three days late to her funeral, he requested to see Mary’s body. But it was found out that the tomb was empty. Mary, body and soul, was joined to her son in heaven.

Pope Pius XII does not downplay the fact of Mary’s death. It is rather a beautiful declaration of the powerlessness of death in the face of someone who puts his/her whole life in the hands of the Lord. Mary’s sinlessness was a gift from God, but it is something she also carried as a responsibility. She was given the gift. She treasured it and so, God treasured her.

“Blessed are the clean of hearts for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8). But unlike all the other saints, Mary sees God in heaven body and soul. Her body, which was unstained by sin, was freed from corruption so that she could enjoy this privilege. God truly preserves what is good even if it is a lowly body. The Assumption of Mary points to us the glorious destiny of those who live according to the Will of God.

May the Assumption of Mary encourage us to live our lives in holiness without reserve. For indeed, our reward is far greater than the sufferings we might endure because we love God.

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