The Marian Franciscans in Gosport are pleased to announce the official launch of their new internet radio station, Radio Immaculata, on this day, Thursday 8th December, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. This is a very special feast day for the friars, as it celebrates the beginning of the Blessed Virgin Mary’s earthly life, and the moment at which she was miraculously preserved from all stain of original sin by the merits of the Saviour she would later bring forth into the world for the salvation of all mankind. What better day, then, to launch Radio Immaculata, whose slogan is “Bringing Forth Christ Through Mary”? This simple mission statement is the essence of the Marian Franciscans’ spirituality, developed and promoted by St Maximilian Kolbe, the great twentieth century saint and martyr who volunteered to die in the place of a fellow prisoner at Auschwitz.  Known as the “Apostle of Consecration to Mary”, St Maximilian believed that the surest way to win souls for Christ is through devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. 

St Maximilian strove throughout his life – with great success – to bring this message to the world through mass media; he published newspapers and periodicals, broadcasted on the airwaves, and even had plans for a movie studio! As an apostolate of the Marian Franciscans, Radio Immaculata exists to continue St Maximilian’s important work. To this end, our programming schedule is structured around the Holy Rosary, which will be prayed on air four times a day, every day, so listeners can tune in and pray together with the friars, no matter where they are in the world. As well as prayers, there will be music, meditations, homilies, recordings of renowned Catholic speakers such as Bishop Fulton Sheen and Fr Hugh Thwaites, narrations of the lives of the saints, roundtable discussions on faith and culture, catechetical programmes, and interviews with people from all walks of life. Many of these programmes will be presented by the friars themselves – including live talk shows, so listeners can call in and speak with the friars live on air – but parishioners and volunteers will also be taking the microphone, bringing their own unique experiences and talents to the airwaves.

So tune in to Radio Immaculata – and tell your friends and family to do the same!