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