VOLUNTEERING
WORLD FAMILY OF RADIO MARIA
Radio Maria’s Mission
Radio Maria’s work to bring the Gospel announcement to those in prison Projects and assessments of the ambitious “Mother of Mercy” project
Annamaria Carrozza RM Italy / “Mary, Mother of Mercy” project
R
adio Maria’s widespread presence throughout Italy and the simplicity of the medium of radio means that we are able to penetrate into all environments and areas of individual and communal life. We have realized that precisely the most critical conditions, such as imprisonment, are precious, even privileged areas of listening, reflection, consolation, and conversion.
Radio Maria’s small blue radio sets, shaped in the image of the Madonna and Child, are an immediate call to prayer and a message of tenderness, hope, and life. Collaborating with chaplains and other workers in the penal system who give the radio sets to prisoners, Radio Maria’s voice can enter cells and go straight to the hearts of many inmates. Prisoners can join in a day of prayer and meditation on Radio Maria. The small sets have been specially designed to comply with the strict criteria of prison security.
Only the Christian proclamation can withstand the challenge of creating a space of forgiveness and redemption, of freedom and happiness in every situation, even the most painful.
A prisoner who receives the radio, the rosary, and the prayer booklet feels valued: someone believes in them, believes that they are still able to choose good. 26
