Mariathon Magazine 2024 - ENG

HIS WORD RUNS SWIFTLY

Dear all,

This year, as every year, all of us at World Family of Radio Maria are committed to answering the many calls that have come in recent years from the various ecclesial communities around the world. We will present them to you in the pages that follow, in a long journey across the continents. Designing a Radio Maria station requires a lot of work and a thorough study before being able to share the final result with all of you listeners and supporters.

Afterwards, together we move on to the executive phase: we build an office; we purchase and send transmitter antennas, mixers and computers; we connect the repeaters and finally we train people, thus creating the first editorial team.

The local Bishop then blesses the studios and the chapel where the speakers pray before starting their programmes; the first volunteers arrive and we begin our mission in the area by broadcasting the Holy Mass from convents and churches, thus giving a voice to parishes, religious movements and important ecclesiastical events. All this has been happening for more than 35 years in every part of the world where the Church has called us and where many priests and lay people follow Mary’s call in this great mission.

After all these years, to our surprise, the requests for Radio Maria stations are still increasing rather than decreasing. Radio Maria

is already present in all predominantly Christian countries.

We are present in 1,012 Dioceses and in 84 countries around the world and we have been called to 10 more countries and to at least 50 more dioceses (of which half in Africa alone).

Statistics aside, today we can truly be witnesses of the universality of the Church so that the call to conversion may be more relevant than ever. Our work via the microphone, therefore, is becoming more and more vital and it is possible only through everyone’s involvement.

“The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few!” (Mt.

9,37)

Hence, we need help from all our volunteers and our listeners on the front lines.

A special year has begun for the Church: the year of prayer, preceding the Jubilee Year of 2025, which will prepare us for this important event in Christianity. Father Livio will guide us with his reflections in the pages that follow. 2024 is the year in which we will be organizing our 9th International Conference. Our new projects that we are about to present to you will be underway and it will be a time of grace for all of us!

Vittorio Viccardi, WFRM President

VITTORIO VICCARDI

FR. LIVIO FANZAGA

FR. RICHARD KOCHER

AFRICA

NIGERIA

DEM. REPUBLIC OF CONGO

TANZANIA

SOUTH SUDAN

MOZAMBIQUE

ZAMBIA

SOUTH AFRICA

AMERICA

MEXICO

ASIA AND MIDDLE EAST

INDIA

SHRI LANKA

PAKISTAN

LEBANON

IRAQ

HOLY LAND

SUMMARY

EUROPE

EASTERN EUROPE

BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA

SPECIAL PROJECT

2024: YEAR OF PRAYER

Dear friends of Radio Maria, warm greetings to everyone.

With these words, I would like to invite all Radio Marias in the world to prepare well for this year, which the Holy Father has dedicated to prayer.

It should be a year of intense prayer for the whole Church, to prepare ourselves to open the doors of the Jubilee at the end of the year, thus living the year of the Jubilee as a great journey of conversion and spiritual renewal.

As you know, dear friends, prayer comes first on Radio Maria’s schedule, and not only in terms of quantity (normally a third of the schedule is dedicated to prayer) and therefore approximately eight hours of prayer distributed between day and night.

It is a vast and comprehensive landscape, in the sense that it includes the prayer of the Church that is, the liturgical prayer.

At the centre is of course the Holy Mass, broadcast daily by Radio Maria, then there are the liturgical prayers of the Church, in particular the divine office: lauds, vespers, and even compline.

This all depends on everyone’s good will, but the great merit of Radio Maria is that of bringing the official prayer of the Church, the same prayer that priests recite every day with their breviary, to the various continents of the world where people didn’t even know it existed. After that, dear friends, come the paraliturgical prayers: the Holy Rosary comes first; I always encourage everyone to broadcast every day all four mysteries of the Rosary: the joyful, the luminous, the sorrowful and the glorious mysteries.

Thus, twenty-four-hour coverage is provided with this Marian prayer. Then there are

various devotions, which we have promoted here at Radio Maria, such as the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, the Chaplet of the “Seven Sorrows”, the seven Pater-Ave-Gloria, the Via

Even the popular devotions of individual nations, dear friends, should be revived. Family prayer should be promoted through Radio Maria, especially the Holy Rosary, so that the family itself becomes a haven of prayer.

As I have already suggested many times, it is necessary for Radio Maria everywhere to create through mobile studios prayer links with parishes, monasteries, places of prayer, sanctuaries, so that the prayer of the Church may enter people’s homes.

This is a meticulous work that must be carried out with commitment because prayer deserves investment of resources, people and presence so as to become the most important aspect in the life of the Church, particularly this year. I want to stress, dear friends, that it is very important to teach people to pray, that is, to pray with faith.

Praying with faith means drawing from prayer all those fruits of spiritual growth that are typical of a prayer that is well prayed; it means to pray with the heart, because prayer must bring about a change that reassures people, strengthens them, enlightens them, gives them the strength to face their daily spiritual battle. Dear friends, we already dedicate a lot of time to prayer. I don’t think that time should be increased this year, but we must do well whatever is on the schedule. Prayers should be broadcast live during the day; at night it’s understandable that there would also be recorded prayers, but the first one in the morning should be live; it is important for

people to be able to call in and pray on air, live. Especially when there are intervals, instead of filling them with music that goes on forever, many times it’s better to open the phone lines and invite people to pray for their own intentions.

Let’s embrace the perspective of a radio in prayer, a radio that promotes prayer, a radio that prays because, dear friends, as we can see, prayer preserves the faith; prayer increases the faith; prayer strengthens the faith. Those who do not pray, sooner or later will lose their

faith, but those who start praying again regain their faith.

I wish all Radio Marias in the world a special year, a year that will help them grow in this which is a fundamental aspect of our schedule, together with evangelization and conversion. It’s prayer this year, and evangelization and conversion in the next Jubilee!

“It is very important to teach people to pray, that is, to pray with faith. (…) Praying with the heart, because prayer must bring about a change that reassures people, strengthens them, enlightens ther, gives them the strength to face their daily spiritual battle.”

(Fr. Livio Fanzaga)

LOOK NOW

Fr. Livio Fanzaga, Director of Radio Maria Italia and WFRM Directors’ Advisor

“We follow the example of the three Magi who sought the newborn Jesus with their gifts.”

(Fr. Richard Kocher)

THE TESTIMONY

The Mariathon of Radio Horeb (Radio Maria Germany) usually takes place on the first weekend of May. It consists of “only” three days during which we focus on collecting donations, but obviously there is a lot more more behind it. From Friday to Sunday, Radio Horeb “disappears”, and during those three days we become Radio Maria World Family, Radio Maria Nigeria, Rwanda, Ukraine, Pakistan or any of the other countries for which we fundraise; our radio schedule is no longer the same as during the rest of the year: prayers and liturgy are international and curated, from the musical and spiritual viewpoint, with special love and creativity. We immerse ourselves in the world of the project countries. Every Radio Horeb collaborator knows the basic information, the remarkable features and the challenges of these countries. Bishops and collaborators from the project countries come to visit us during this time. It’s not just all about the three days when we actually run the charity marathon, as preparations for the marathon start several months before then. Follow-up work also takes several weeks. We notice it in the reactions of our listeners, who repeatedly call-in during broadcasts and express their great joy for the past Mariathon or their anticipation for the next one. The dialogue with our listeners is particularly intense in this time of the year. To be a part of it all is a gift for all collaborators and volunteers. Praying together, engaging and working for the projects and donating together are a blessing for the projects and also for us at Radio Horeb. Everyone feels blessed.

This is possible, above all, thanks to the prayers that accompany the Mariathon. Many people, religious communities and prayer groups are at our side praying and praising God. The days before, during and after the Mariathon are accompanied by 24 hour-

The Mariathon fever regularly reaches its peak on Sunday evenings, when donations of up to 200,000 euros are received within a few hours.

Eucharistic adoration here in Balderschwang, at the Radio Horeb headquarters, and constitute the foundation of our work. We follow the example of the three Magi who sought the newborn Jesus with their gifts: They offered incense, gold and myrrh; we also ask for these gifts from our listeners, staff and volunteers, as well as from those responsible for the Radio Maria projects that we support. We ask that at this time they offer their prayers (incense), their donations (gold) and their sacrifices (myrrh), each according to their possibilities.

The Mariathon period is a challenging timelike running a marathon, it requires strength; but running hand in hand with the Virgin Mary is a joy, because we are strengthened and receive gifts, blessed by our triune God. Every time we reach the 1 million mark, a little celebration is in order. The atmosphere is difficult to describe, but it is always full of joy and gratitude. The best way to perceive it is to experience it on site, like our 70 volunteers who man 20 telephone lines from 6am till midnight. Often during this period, the relics of great saints, such as Saint Therese of Lisieux, are in Balderschwang to be venerated.

Fr. Richard Kocher, Director of Radio Horeb

GROWTH OBJECTIVES 2024

EVANGELIZING BY TRANSMITTING HIS WORD OVER THE AIRWAVES

Radio Maria is a helping hand, that reaches out to all men and women of good will, to encourage them, when faced with the difficulties of life, to look to the future with confidence. Radio Maria is a means through which hope is conveyed, the hope that comes from the salvation brought about by Christ. His Word runs swiftly and through Radio Maria reaches the hearts of listeners all over the world and challenges them, so as to make them into disciples of His love.

Radio Maria is a miracle of Volunteering and only through Divine Providence and the generosity of its listeners can it continue to be a privileged means of evangelization and be close to those suffering in body and spirit. Constant commitment and investments in

technological evolution are necessary to allow this voice to reach the whole world, wherever the Church calls us. There is a need for pastoral tools and resources, but also to bring hope on a daily basis to areas where there is suffering and persecution. The new projects are aimed at such mission, as is the necessary maintenance of the current radio infrastructure, and we trust in everyone’s support, which will allow others to receive what so many have already received. It is a mission that we want to share with all of you, especially during this 2024 Mariathon. We therefore appeal to the generosity of those who appreciate our work, to help us make His Word run swiftly through Radio Maria and reach those who need it the most.

AFRICA

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NIGERIA

The miracle of Radio Maria in the most populous country in Africa

POPULATION

217 MILLION

CURRENT COVERAGE

3.3 MILLION

PROJECT AREA COVERAGE

45 MILLION BACK TO CONTENTS

NIGERIA

CURRENT STATUS

Radio Maria is a reality that is very much alive in Abuja, the capital of Nigeria. For a year and a half, we have been broadcasting from the heart of the country without encountering any problems from the political authorities. Radio Maria has spread throughout two dioceses: Makurdi and Gboko. By the end of April 2024, a Radio Maria substation will also be built in the archdiocese of Kaduna, the region where Boko Haram, a terrorist group, operates. Furthermore, work is also progressing in the archdiocese of Owerri and in the diocese of Port Harcourt. Thus, before the end of the second half of 2024, there will be five Radio Maria substations operating in Nigeria, thanks to the missionary generosity demonstrated during previous world Mariathons.

THE PROJECT

It is always an immense joy to activate a new license. This is necessary to continue bringing the light of the Gospel to the Nigerian population. For this purpose, we need 250,000 euros to help with the running of five

substations, not forgetting the Radio Maria headquarters in the capital Abuja, which will need a few years to become financially selfsufficient.

In Nigeria there are still five open construction sites that are to be completed by March 2025: these are projects in 4 different archdioceses: Onitsha, Jos, Ibadan, Benin City. The Radio Maria project in the diocese of Enugu also needs to be completed. To complete these projects, we need 900,000 euros.

The Nigerian bishops want Radio Maria everywhere for many reasons: to bring prayer into the homes, to facilitate evangelization in the cities and especially in the villages where the majority of the population lives. To respond to this very important pastoral need, the search for new licenses has started for the following 8 dioceses: Lagos, Calabar, Ogoja, Sokoto, Yola, Nsukka, Ijebu-Ode, Otukpo. This first phase will cost 300,000 euros. This stage is undoubtedly fundamental because without a license, it is not possible to set up an FM radio station.

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Construction, logistics and installation costs for 5 substations (Port Harcourt, Benin City, Jos, Enugu, Onitsha)

900,000 EURO

Support for operative management costs 250,000 EURO

Acquisition of 8 new frequencies (Ogoja, Sokoto, Calabar, Yola, Nsukka, Lagos, Ijabu-Ode, Otukpo) 300,000 EURO

““We are very happy these days because, as we experience insecurity and the economic downturn in Nigeria, there are many things that are causing us to fight, not to see other values but I think that through Radio Maria we will be able to find ways of bringing people together so that they will see the reason of reconciliation over pent-up frustrations and the rest, we will be able to reach out and this reaching out becomes a way of building bridges. There are many places where ethnic groups are having clashes and Radio Maria in a way can reach out and we will be able to douse all those pent-up frustrations and anger.”

(Fr. Zaccaria Samjumi, Secretary General of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria)

Nigerian bishops want Radio Maria to reach everywhere in the country.

Sokoto

Ljabu-Ode

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

Helping the Word never to stop running swiftly

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

CURRENT STATUS

Radio Maria Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is becoming the second most important network in the African continent, as far as the number of FM frequencies is concerned. Today it has 7 substations: Kananga, Bukavu, Goma, Lubumbashi, Kisangani, Matadi and Mbandundu. Radio Maria RDC broadcasts in four important African languages, the most spoken in the country: Chiluba, Swahili, Lingala and Kikongo. However, in the common national programmes, the language used by the entire Radio Maria network is French.

THE PROJECT

The DRC is a very large country: 2,345,000 km². Many infrastructures (such as roads and bridges) are inadequate or completely missing in some parts of the country. This makes the movement of people and goods very difficult. This situation also makes the work of expansion of the Radio Maria network in the DRC extremely difficult. To complete the work relating for the activation of all the licenses already received from the government, 80,000 euros are still needed.

(Mons. Marcel Utembi Tapa, Archbishop of Kisangani and President of the National Episcopal Conference in the Democratic Republic of Congo) LOOK NOW Radio network maintenance 80,000 EURO BACK TO CONTENTS

“We are faced, however, with a major problem of lack of electricity. We think that solar energy could be a sustainable and effective solution because in Africa, and especially in Kisangani, we have plenty of sun.”

A precious seed, planted back in 1996

67 MILLION CATHOLICS

POPULATION

CURRENT COVERAGE 26.1 MILLION PROJECT AREA COVERAGE

750,000 BACK TO CONTENTS

TANZANIA

CURRENT STATUS

Radio Maria Tanzania is the most important RM in Africa. It already has around forty active FM frequencies, whereas, about 25% of African Radio Marias only have one frequency. Radio Maria Tanzania is self-sufficient but, whilst managing to cover ordinary expenses, which are still very high given the presence of numerous technical radiofrequency systems, it is unable to pay for the expansion of its own radio network.

THE PROJECT

In 2020, the Tanzanian government gave Radio Maria 30 FM frequencies to be activated within a year. Today these licenses are all active thanks to the missionary generosity manifested during the world Mariathon. Having complied with the state’s recommendation, the Tanzanian government has given us another 10 new FM licenses to be activated within 12 months. Many

FM licenses are needed in Tanzania because the area of this country covers 945,087 square kilometres, with a population of approximately 67 million. The majority of the population lives in rural regions that are difficult for bishops and priests to reach. To turn on these 10 licenses, we need 400,000 euros.

“Radio Maria is helping so much to evangelize, especially in the rural areas, by answering so many questions that are weighing on many Catholics. With their programmes they help people understand what the gospel means and what is the proper teaching of the church.”

(Mgr.

Stephano Lameck Musomba O.S.A, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Dar es Salaam)

SOUTH SUDAN

Mary’s tenderness towards one of the neediest countries in the continent

14 MILLION CATHOLICS 52%

POPULATION

CURRENT COVERAGE 530,000 BACK TO CONTENTS

SOUTH SUDAN

CURRENT STATUS

Radio Maria South Sudan is present in the capital Juba. It is a seed of evangelization that helps create a bridge of peace and reconciliation among the numerous Sudanese ethnic groups. The presence of Radio Maria in the land of Santa Bakhita was a response to the call of the Church. South Sudan being the youngest, and probably the poorest country in the African continent, received this beautiful gift, thanks to the generosity shown during the world Mariathons. The radio station has headquarters that are equipped with modern studios.

THE PROJECT

For broadcasting, Radio Maria South Sudan in Juba currently relies on missionary generosity. The total cost to keep this radio station up and running in 2024 is 80,000 euro.

Juba

MOZAMBIQUE

Towards Tete

POPULATION

32 MILLION CATHOLICS 28%

CURRENT COVERAGE

5.3 MILLION BACK TO CONTENTS

MOZAMBIQUE

CURRENT STATUS

Radio Maria Mozambique is the second Radio Maria established in Africa. Born on 2 June 1995, for many years, this radio station has had FM licenses only in the south of the country, precisely in the Archdiocese of Maputo (the country’s capital) and in two other dioceses: Xai Xai and Inhambane.

Two and a half years ago, the network expanded to the central part of the country, in the diocese of Quelimane.

Now work has started on a second substation in the diocese of Tete, on the border with Malawi.

THE PROJECT

Building works and technical preparation for the Radio Maria project in Tete are progressing well, however, 70,000 euros are still needed to complete the project. It will be a beautiful gift from Our Lady to the people of the Diocese of Tete before the celebration of the 30th anniversary of Radio Maria’s presence in Mozambique.

Maputo

Quelimane

Vilankulo

Chokwe

Xai-Xai Quissico

Maxixe

Nova Mambone

Tete

ZAMBIA

The importance of local language stations

CATHOLICS

35%

POPULATION

19 MILLION

CURRENT COVERAGE

4.4 MILLION BACK TO CONTENTS

ZAMBIA

CURRENT STATUS

Radio Maria Zambia will celebrate its 25th anniversary on 21 June 2024. It was born in the immense rural diocese of Chipata. It is the sixth Radio Maria established on the African continent. Currently, the national headquarters are in Lusaka, the capital of the country, and were opened after the radio of the archdiocese of Lusaka was converted into a Radio Maria station. For now, Radio Maria Zambia has two substations: Chipata and Livingstone. Radio Maria has been present in Zambia for a long time, but the expansion of the network is proceeding slowly and there are still many people in Zambia who are unable to receive the light of the Word of God through Radio Maria.

THE PROJECT

The World Family of Radio Maria is working on a project to start a new substation in the diocese of Kabwe. At the same time we also need to help the Chipata and Livingstone substations to broadcast radio programmes without interruptions. Self-sufficiency is still difficult to achieve, given how poor the population is.

For Zambia, we need 70,000 euro.

Too many people in this country are still unable to listen to the voice of Radio Maria.

Lusaka

Chama

Chipata

Livingstone Katete Petauke

Lundazi

SOUTH AFRICA

Mary’s new gem

CATHOLICS

3.9 MILLION

POPULATION

60 MILLION

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SUDAFRICA

CURRENT STATUS

In 2023, a request was made to the World Family of Radio Maria by the Catholic Church authorities in South Africa, a very important African country known for its apartheid policy. It has a population of approximately 62 million and the unemployment rate is around 58%. There are a few very rich people and a lot of people living in poverty. Sometimes, there is gun violence. Even though South Africa is a very important country in the African continent, since 1993, the year the first Radio Maria was born in Africa, it has not been possible to plant a Radio Maria seed in this country. But now, after 30 years of Our Lady’s radio being present in the African continent, the doors are opening in South Africa.

THE PROJECT

Towards the end of 2023, the South African Catholic Church asked for the presence of Radio Maria. The project is to switch on Radio Maria’s microphones in a studio in the city of Cape Town. It may also be possible to acquire an AM frequency of a local radio in South Africa’s largest city, Johannesburg. The costs in this country are very high. The first phase of this project is estimated at 250,000 euros.

Cape Town

Johannesburg

SUPPORT SPECIAL

“That it is always such a great feeling to see a network grow mainly thanks to your prayers and donations. The big job of the World Family, through its technological organization, is to help R. Marias around the world to acquire new frequencies and manage the over 2,500 repeaters.”

(Stefano Broggini, Radio frequency office, Radio Maria Italia) LOOK NOW

PHOTOVOLTAIC PANELS

400,000 EURO

INCREASE IN ENERGY COSTS

300,000 EURO

SATELLITE SUPPORT

280,000 EURO

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NIGERIA

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

CONSTRUCTION, LOGISTICS AND INSTALLATION COSTS FOR 5 SUBSTATIONS

SUPPORT FOR OPERATIVE MANAGEMENT COSTS

ACQUISITION OF 8 NEW FREQUENCIES 1,450,000

Democratic Republic of Congo

ACQUISITION AND INSTALLATION OF A SECONDARY STUDIO AM FREQUENCY MAINTENANCE COST

AMERICA

BACK TO CONTENTS

130 MILLION CATHOLICS

POPULATION

MEXICO

CURRENT STATUS

Radio Maria continues to strengthen its presence in Marian Sanctuaries, especially in America, in the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City. Our small studio has been installed and has opened its doors to pilgrims from all over the world, especially to priests, volunteers and Radio Maria listeners around the world.

THE PROJECT

To strengthen Radio María’s presence in Mexico, especially with the acquisition of new frequencies in Mexico City (and surrounding areas) and in Ciudad Juárez, in the State of Chihuahua, near the border with the United States.

“Let’s all remember that God gives a hundredfold; One can’t outgive God. By working hard, we can implement all these projects.”

(Alicia del Cid, President Radio Maria Guatemala and Vice President WFRM)

Guadalajara

Culiacan

Ensenada Jacona Guadalupe

Guasave

Obregón León

300,000 EURO

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MEXICO ACQUISITION OF AM FREQUENCY IN MEXICO CITY

300,000

300,000 TOTAL

Mexico

ASIA AND MIDDLE EAST

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A new star shines in the Andhra Pradesh region

CATHOLICS

23.2 MILLION

POPULATION

1.38 BILLION

CURRENT COVERAGE: WEB RADIO BACK TO CONTENTS

INDIA

CURRENT STATUS

In India, in the state of Andhra Pradesh, in the diocese of Vijayawada, we started the Radio Maria project four years ago by setting up the non-profit organization as a first step. The bishop allocated a priest to manage the radio station and gave us a land on which to build the headquarters.Construction began in the second half of 2023, after the difficult period of the pandemic.

THE PROJECT

Construction is still ongoing, and we are in the process of completing the studios and installing the technical equipment. We aim to complete everything by the end of 2024.

Let us pray that there will be no further delays.

Let us pray that Our Lady will bring her messages of Peace to all the villages scattered in the rural areas where there is great poverty. May

Mary’s mantle soon come to cover and embrace the many people who thirst for the Word of God.

“Radio Maria will be very useful for the future of these Telugu states, especially Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, to learn more about Our Lady and the church at large, the Universal church. May what is happening in other countries, so also may happen here in India, especially in the southern part of India, especially in the Telugu states of Andhra and Telangana.”

(Fr. John Peter Burri, future director of Radio Maria India Andhra Pradesh)

Andhra Pradesh

SHRI LANKA

The Good News in the heart of the Indian Ocean

CATHOLICS

7%

POPULATION

22 MILLION

PROJECT AREA COVERAGE 650,000 BACK TO CONTENTS

SHRI LANKA

THE PROJECT

Radio Maria responded to the call of the Church in Shri Lanka in 2022 with a site visit to examine the feasibility and meet the people involved in the project. Thus began the history of Radio Maria in Shri Lanka and now, in 2024, the first steps are being taken towards its realisation. The main broadcasting language will be Sinhala with parts of the schedule also in Tamil. We pray that the voice of Radio Maria may reach the capital Colombo and from there spread throughout the country.

Acquisition of new radio 150,000 EURO

A special mission in which many must partake.

Colombo

PAKISTAN

Mary’s gaze towards the most fragile

1.6 MILLIONS

228 MILLION CATHOLICS

POPULATION

BACK TO CONTENTS

PAKISTAN

THE PROJECT

From Pakistan, a country with a large Muslim majority, the call came for the creation of a special radio, at the service of all Christians living in this country. Radio Maria is working on a detailed project to make this request become a reality, through also the prayers and generosity of its listeners.

Radio Maria responds to all calls from the local Church, even the more challenging ones.

Lahore

LEBANON

“O Mary, queen of the mountains and the seas, Lady of our beloved Lebanon, whose glory was given to you, and you wished for it to become your symbol. Your splendour surpasses that of the snow of Lebanon, and the scent of your purity spreads like the scents of Lebanese flowers. You have risen majestically like the cedar of Lebanon.

O Virgin, turn your maternal gaze to all your children, and, stretching out your immaculate hands, embrace them all.” (Prayer to Our Lady of Lebanon)

CURRENT COVERAGE 500,000 PROJECT AREA COVERAGE 4.4 MILLION BACK TO CONTENTS

LEBANON

CURRENT STATUS

The Radio Maria project in Lebanon, which started at the beginning of 2022, today is a beautiful reality, held in high regard by locals. After just a few months of broadcasting, i.e. from 8 September 2023, we see the active participation of many listeners and speakers. The editorial team is complete with the priestdirector of programmes, the editorial assistant and two sound and mixing technicians. We are now looking for a co-ordinator and a promoter and we hope to involve many parishes, thus increasing the number of live prayer links. Currently, the radio is broadcasting using a frequency “on a lease”. Radio Maria is listened to on FM in Mount Lebanon and throughout the capital Beirut, thus covering more than half the population.

THE PROJECT

Problems due to the global economic situation and political instability are somewhat delaying the expansion of the radio itself and of the territorial coverage. This will be the challenge for the near future, including the increase of daily, live broadcasts from parishes and local communities. We still haven’t finished furnishing some of the offices and the headquarters’ chapel. We hope to receive mobile studios as soon as possible to be able to involve even the most remote groups of faithful. We are currently negotiating the acquisition of other frequencies in order to cover most of the Lebanese territory.

“A lot still needs to be done. It’s not easy. Thank you to everyone from the Radio Maria Lebanon team. Counting on your prayers and support!”

(Fr. Fadi Chaccour, Director of Radio Mariam Lebanon)

Broadcasting costs for 5 new stations (Beit Mery, Achrafieh, Hardine, Beka, Jabal Safi)

POPULATION

42 MILLION

The strong embrace of Our Lady

CURRENT COVERAGE 500,000 BACK TO CONTENTS

Support for operational management costs 100,000 EURO

CURRENT STATUS

Radio Mariam in Iraq is broadcasting on FM in the north of the country, has more and more listeners and is also highly appreciated by all the bishops of the various local Christian rites, both Catholic and Orthodox. Everyone now considers it a spiritual and moral reference for Christians and a voice of social and moral formation even for non-Christians. Unfortunately, due to the ongoing severe economic and political crisis, it is still not receiving enough donations to survive. This situation, however, is not preventing us from moving forward with our mission in this difficult part of the world, where violence and hatred among brothers continue to grow.

THE PROJECT

Radio Mariam Iraq has grown a lot, but still needs support to cover operating expenses in all departments.

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“Thanks

to your support we have inaugurated a mobile studio in Duhok and we hope to also reach other places to continue bringing the Good News throughout the land of Abraham.”

(Fr.

Savio Handola, Director of Radio Mariam Iraq-Erbil)

Erbil

Ninive

HOLY LAND

Nazareth, at Mary’s house

CURRENT COVERAGE: WEB RADIO BACK TO CONTENTS

POPULATION

9.5 MILLION

HOLY LAND

CURRENT STATUS

Radio Mariam Nazareth began webcasting from the city of the Annunciation in 2020; amid various difficulties the radio station has persevered in its efforts to put together a tightknit staff in the time of Covid and after the death of the first director. Faced with the new and harsh challenge of the war, which began in October 2023, the arrival, at the start of 2024, of a new priest director serving part-time and the first live broadcast from Jerusalem from a mobile studio managed by volunteers, were reasons of joy and hope.

Currently it is impossible to obtain frequencies, but we are trying to intensify and expand the activity in the area, depending on local resources. Short and long-term objectives are greater involvement of the different Churches

and rites and the promotion of volunteering, so that Radio Mariam may become a home for all, where Christians are the protagonists: marked by a history of conflicts and wars that have exacerbated divisions, Christians represent only 1.9% of the population in the Holy Land.

THE PROJECT

Radio Mariam Nazareth is not yet 100% selfsufficient; the situation has been made worse by months of conflict and its repercussions these have had not just on the economy. Many families are being left without work or are considering emigrating. The climate of mistrust and uncertainty reverberates at different levels on the Christian communities.

Support for operative management costs

EURO

(Milad Shajrawi, President of Radio Mariam Nazareth) LOOK NOW BACK TO CONTENTS

“We

will work hard, I know what the spirit of Radio Maria is like worldwide, but we are a very small minority here in a socio-political context that you are aware of. I appeal to you, therefore, to help Radio Mariam and you will have your reward in heaven, from the Virgin Mary!”

Nazareth

INVESTMENT

1,250,000

1,250,000

EUROPE

“We have been suffering from what Saint John Paul II called “silent apostasy” and it is not only our faith, but also nature, reason, everything is falling apart, because when we stray from God, the family also breaks down, and people are born into a difficult situation. Well, in this desert of faith and humanity that is Europe, Radio Maria undoubtedly transmits a light of hope and this light reaches many people and touches their hearts.”

(Fr. Luis Fernando de Prada, Director of Radio Maria Spain)

EASTERN EUROPE

A light that gives hope

POPULATION

165 MILLION

CURRENT COVERAGE 21.7 MILLION BACK TO CONTENTS

EASTERN EUROPE

CURRENT STATUS

Radio Maria’s presence in Eastern Europe is widespread. From the Baltic countries to the Balkans, passing through former Yugoslavia, 14 nations can be counted in which the voice of our radio stations reach millions of homes and hearts. Thanks to modern transmission technologies, programmes can be listened to on the radio, on computers, via satellite, on mobile phones and on digital television channels. The richness of cultures and languages through which Radio Maria continues its journey of evangelization requires an increasingly arduous effort, that we take on every day with courage, trusting fully in the Holy Virgin.

THE PROJECT

In Europe, Christians are experiencing a complex and delicate historical time: wars, financial crises, pandemics and atheistic mass modernism seem to portend a dark future for the Old Continent. But the light of faith knows no obstacles or limits. The support given by the World Family to many “border radio stations” has become indispensable for the evangelization effort, and for the subsistence and growth of local broadcasters. The generous help provided through prayer and through donations is the tangible sign of love towards the Risen Christ and of full trust in this humble instrument desired by Our Lady: Eastern Europe calls... Radio Maria responds!

“Radio Maria has united our hearts and inspired our thoughts and has encouraged us to lead a Christian life, to be together and also to educate ourselves to pray in the daily mass and to participate in various prayers and also to be inspired by the beautiful message of the Gospel.”

(Mons Kęstutis Kėvalas, Bishop of Kaunas)

“I met God during the war, in many people here in Ukraine, but also outside of Ukraine, and in many Radio Maria listeners around the world; in the people who wanted to express their closeness during this time, in the people who prayed, those who helped in different ways, and in these two years of war we have experienced that the Lord comes to us precisely in the moment of suffering. The Lord always sends us people who want to help us, and for this reason I would now like to thank all Radio Maria listeners around the world for their help, their closeness, their prayers.”

(Fr. Aleksej Samsonov, Director of Radio Maria Ukraine)

BOSNIAHERZEGOVINA

“Be happy if you are not among those who wait for a sign.”

(Vicka Ivankovic, visionary of Medjugorje)

CATHOLICS 11%

POPULATION

3.4 MILLION

CURRENT COVERAGE

470,000 PROJECT AREA COVERAGE

BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA

CURRENT STATUS

RM BiH’s development over the last two years has been significant, marked by investment in new frequencies and technical equipment to improve signal reception in different regions. We can now reach thousands of families in Capljina, Livno, Stolac and we have new volunteers in Sarajevo, Mostar and Medjugorje. Despite the low percentage of Catholics in the country (around 11%), Radio Maria’s programming remains a point of reference for many families, parishes and communities who have decided to stay and fight with tenacity and faith for a better life. In this context, the evangelizing mission of RM BiH represents a helping hand and a comforting embrace.

THE PROJECT

The donations collected on a national level are not sufficient to support the radio. The services offered by the studios (the latest addition is the one in Vitez in central Bosnia), the ordinary management costs (salaries, gas and electricity, rent) and those related to broadcasting require constant support by the World Family and the charitable help from listeners all over the world. This year, we have several objectives: updating some obsolete equipment, fixing transmitters and antennas, changing audio frequency equipment. We mustn’t forget the programmes from Medjugorje for all Radio Maria stations worldwide, the editorial content, the assistance during pilgrimages, the broadcast of main events. This is a spirituality that we must defend and witness through joyful charity.

Acquisition of radio frequency material and shipping costs (Capljina, Stolac) 60,000 EURO

A spirituality that must be defended and witnessed with joyful charity.

SUPPORT SPECIAL

“To reach cities, towns and connecting roads with the signal, you need to turn on many repeaters, each one “illuminating” its own area”

(Stefano Broggini, Radio frequency office of Radio Maria)

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SATELLITE SUPPORT

70,000 EURO

SPECIAL PROJECT SHRINES MARIAN

“In the same way that the Queen of Peace chose this particular place to give her messages for the whole world, she also chose the means through which these messages would reach the ends of the earth: a little servant in the Vineyard of the Lord: Radio Maria. Considering that Radio Maria owes its beginnings and inspiration to Medjugorje despite being founded in Italy, with the opening of the Radio Marija studio in Medjugorje in 2007, we could say that Radio Marija has returned home. She has returned home to welcome all of you, her children, whom she has sent to all five continents, so that her maternal voice for our time may reach every corner of this thirsty world. Our collaborators are at the service of all Radio Marias in the world to allow you to participate in the programmes of Radio Maria in Medjugorje.”

(Fr. Mato Anic, Director of Radio Maria Bosnia Herzegovina)

250,000 EURO LOOK NOW BACK TO CONTENTS

INVESTMENT NECESSARY

MARIAN SHRINES

Radio Maria’s presence in the most important Marian shrines around the world is growing stronger every year and represents a profound link between spirituality and modern mass media. These places, famous throughout the world for their Marian apparitions and the devotion of the faithful, have also become places where million of people come together through Radio Maria’s broadcasts to pray, reflect, and share their faith. In all these places, Radio Maria not only broadcasts prayers and celebrations, but also creates an empathic bond among the faithful from different parts of the world, offering comfort, hope and a spiritual connection that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries. Very important prayer bridges in different languages have originated from these places

that are full of grace, aimed at strengthening the communion of prayer in the different continents.

His word, today, runs ever more swiftly also thanks to this incredible miracle! The presence of Radio Maria studios broadcasting near these Marian shrines is testimony to the power of faith and communication in promoting unity and solidarity among believers around the world. For some years now, The Mariathon has been supporting the “Marian Shrines” project, which is not expected to end in 2024, as there are more places we would like to reach. Therefore, we ask you to bless this project with your support and generosity.

Our Lady will do great things through these projects!

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MARIAN SHRINES

“We are very close to the sanctuary of Fatima where Our Lady appeared to the shepherd children and we are also very close, here, to the house of Radio Maria with its studios. This is a place of national and international promotion for all those who come to Fatima from other countries. They can see for the first time the house of Our Lady, which is also Radio Maria, at the service of the Immaculate Heart of Mary which was promised here, in Fatima.”

(Fr. Marco Fernando da Silva Luis, Director of Radio Maria Portugal)

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MARIAN SHRINES

“With Radio Maria from Kibeho, the African continent is a continent that is continuously praying in various languages: Swahili, French, English. From Kibeho we not only pray for Africa with the active participation of all the congregations present here in Kibeho, but we also participate in the various prayer bridges with the other continents, reciting the holy rosary and celebrating the Holy Mass in Italian, Spanish, French, Portuguese and English. In doing so we spread the message of the Mother of the Word and put into practice, in particular, two of her requests, that is, to pray often and without hypocrisy and to make the Rosary of the Seven Sorrows known to the whole world.”

(Fr. Francois Harelimama, Rector of Kibeho Shrine)

“Where the Blessed Virgin Mary sets foot, everything thrives, as it has happened in Africa (Kibeho), in Europe, (Our Lady of Peace, Czestochowa, Fatima, Lourdes) and in our American continent (Our Lady of Guadalupe, Aparecida in Brazil). That is, in each of these places where the Blessed Virgin Mary appears, she brings us Jesus and in each of them a sign, a house, is offered for the evangelization of the whole world.”

(Fr. Jorge Antonio Luna Casillas, Director of Radio Maria Mexico)

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RADIO MARIA IN THE WORLD

129 Stations (Broadcasting studios)

34 of which are substations in the local language

84 Countries Programming in 83 languages

Almost 30,000 volunteers serving the Radio Maria project worldwide

Around 640 mobile studios at the service of the Radio Maria project in approximately 5.600 parishes and local communities

Over 730,000,000 people and 1,021 dioceses worldwide are reached by the Radio Maria radio frequency signal including 53 native African languages

Total users of Radio Maria websites: 5,969,835

Total users worldwide who listen to Radio Maria via streaming: 27,114,292

thanks

5,610,000