Radio Maria Project

RADIO MARIA PROJECT

This document, the Radio Maria Project, is a part of the wealth of the experience of the Radio Maria Association. Drafted in 2003, it was approved and adopted by the World Family of Radio Maria in October of that year as a guide and reference for regulating the usage of Radio Maria’s distinctive name. The World Family grants the “Radio Maria” trademark to all the associate members of Radio Maria who undertake to respect the “Guiding Principles” that are the integral part of this Project.

Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature (Mk 16,15)

Table of contents Foreword Radio María’s Identity Pope Francis’ Message to the Radio Maria Family Our History The Italian Radio Maria Association and its Development The Radio Maria Project Marian spirituality: Radio Maria, Mary’s Gift of Service to the Church Characteristics of Our Radio The Challenge of Programming The Priest Director • Missionary Spirit Shared Responsibility • Volunteers The National Associations Legal Structure • Management Promotion and Expansion • Technical Operations The World Family of Radio María Our Distinguishing Features The Trademark • Our Image

Appendices A) Guiding Principles B) Our Vision, Mission and Values C) Ethical Code D) The Church and Radio Maria

Foreword

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he he commitment of the Catholic Church within the sphere of the new mass media has led to numerous projects around the world. This has ensured the Church’s, oftentimes significant, presence in important fields such as radio, television, and the internet.

Radio Maria is a part of this ecclesial effort even if it is in many ways unique as its protagonists are priests and laypeople working in private associations.

The soil from which Radio Maria has sprung is the need to use today’s tools to bring the Gospel to all of humanity.

The driving force behind this mission is the imperative of a renewed commitment to evangelization that responds to St. Paul’s warning: “Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel” (1 Cor. 9:16).

The extraordinary phenomenon that has made Radio Maria the best-known and most listened to Catholic radio station, first in Italy and then worldwide, is the result of a thorough discernment that led its founders to outline a project, which this booklet will call the “Radio Maria Project”.

It is both a simple and complex project; simple, because it obeys basic rules in carrying out each of the functional work areas of a non-commercial radio; complex, because if these rules are not followed step by step, even in just one area, then the project suffers delays and stalls.

We use the term “Project” because it is the result of many years of work. Only those who have worked and listened to Radio Maria, in the various countries it is broadcast, can fully grasp the meaning of these words.

The main aim of this document is to outline Radio Maria’s identity through its constitutive elements, to explain its content and how it has evolved over the years, in order that it may become a practical and spiritual guide to the wonderful experience that accompanies millions of listeners worldwide. ☐

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Radio Maria’s Identity

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n the broadcasting arena, Radio Maria has a precise identity that distinguishes it around the world. This has evolved over time while remaining faithful to the original inspiration. The constituent elements of Radio Maria’s identity are precious assets to be safeguarded and developed.

Love for the Mother of God is the Soul of Radio Maria Radio Maria was born and first broadcast in Italy, extending then to the five continents, out of love for Our Lady. It would be impossible to explain Radio Maria except for a filial love for the Mother of God and the Church. The desire to help the Handmaid of the Lord in her work of saving souls lies at the heart of Radio Maria and is a source from which springs ever-new energy.

If the love for Our Lady were to disappear, Radio Maria would wither like a flower without water. The very name, “Radio Maria”, points to an identity and a belonging. It indicates a broadcasting station that takes its inspiration from the Blessed Virgin Mary and puts itself at her service. On the Solemnity of the Annunciation each year, all the Radio Maria stations worldwide renew their consecration to Our Lady.

Radio: An Instrument at Mary’s Service God chooses the simplest tools to reach out to humanity. He used a book to communicate His Word and preaching to spread it. Radio sets itself the task of spreading the word, carrying a voice from the speaker’s mouth to the listener’s ears and truly, fides ex auditu—faith comes from what is heard (Rom 10:17). The annunciation of the Word of God was the means used by Jesus Christ and His apostles: “Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature.

Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mk. 16:15–16).

Radio is a simple and effective instrument for spreading the Gospel. Technological development has made it a widespread tool that reaches people wherever they may be. >>

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Radio Maria’s Identity

By its nature, radio is a missionary instrument. The voice reaches out to the heart, calling it. Its essence is not exclusive but enhances the various means of secondary social communication that technical innovation proposes.

Radio Maria’s Goals Radio Maria is an initiative born out of the strength of Christian love. Its goal is to help people try and find the meaning of life in the light of the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Over the airwaves, it aims at bringing reconciliation and peace to hearts, to families, and to society. Radio Maria is “a hand outstretched” toward all persons of good will, to encourage them in the difficult moments of life and to look to the future with confidence.

In a special way, it focuses on those suffering in body and spirit, especially the lonely, the elderly, the poor, and prisoners. Respecting persons’ consciences, it gives witness to God’s love and the hope of eternal life.

Radio Maria’s Legal Status Radio Maria is a registered association (and where this is not possible, a foundation or other non-profit entity) that is not for profit, made up of people who share its ideals and goals. Being a registered association allows Radio Maria to exist as a juridical subject anywhere in the world in order to fulfill its goals. The legal status of non-profit registered association allows Radio Maria to manage various activities and allows the competent ecclesiastical authorities to supervise its doctrine through a Priest Director.

The World Family of Radio Maria (WF) is a registered association, headquartered in Italy, which is formed by the national associations of Radio Maria.

The WF monitors Radio Maria’s identity, supporting its worldwide diffusion and promoting its unity and solidarity within the scope of one, large family.

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Radio Maria in the Church and in society Radio Maria works within the spheres of ecclesial communities as well as today’s multi-religious society. By its very nature, radio extends to the entire population. Its message is addressed to all persons whose hearts are hungry for God and in need of salvation. The airwaves bring the light of the Gospel well beyond the borders of ecclesiastical belonging. Some of Radio Maria’s listeners and supporters are outside of the fold.

Although a registered association, Radio Maria guarantees the Catholic Church’s supervision of its message through the presence of a Priest Director who is authorized by the competent ecclesial authority. The World Family of Radio Maria is the contact for the local ecclesial authorities in any matters of mutual interest, maintaining regular informative relations with the Pontifical Council for Social Communications. Radio Maria is particularly committed to following the teachings and pastoral directives of the Pope.

Presidents and Priest Directors

The President of the association and the Priest Director of programing are the two driving elements of each Radio Maria’s operations. They carry out the apostolate in a cooperation of priesthood and laity that was envisioned by the Second Vatican Council. They are two figures of equal status who complement and support one another, each operating each within their own area of responsibility. They work together within the scope of Radio Maria’s goals to safeguard its identity.

Their synergy is ensured by their mutual presence in the executive and operational boards. The President is the association’s legal representative and Pater familias who promotes its unity. He is responsible for all its management activities. The Priest Director is responsible for everything concerning programing. He promotes its spiritual life and guarantees communion with the Catholic Church.

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Radio Maria’s Identity

World Family’s President and the Advising Director Within the World Family, the President—appointed by the Board of Directors—is its legal representative and the true Pater familias of all the Radio Maria associations’ Presidents. He promotes unity and an appropriate training, ensuring that the principles of all the associations’ management activities conform to the spirit of its identity.

The Advising Director has the task of representing the World Family during the approval process of appointing each Radio Maria’s Priest Director. As the guardian of Radio Maria’s conformity to the Church, he must supervise and ensure that each Radio Maria’s editorial activity conforms to the spirit of its Identity. The primary director of the Radio Maria Project is the designated Advising Director. The Advising Director is appointed by the World Family’s Board of Directors from its member priests and his work takes place at the World Family’s offices.

Volunteers, the Strength of Radio Maria “Give and it shall be given to you” (Lk. 6,38). The Radio Maria project is built upon the irreplaceable contribution of its volunteers. They are the beating heart that circulates blood to every part of the body. Their service grows out of a desire to help Our Lady carry out her motherly labor of peace and love. Their spirit is a flame afire in all of Radio Maria’s workers, paid workers as well. All of Radio Maria’s programs are free of charge and it is important to encourage volunteer participation in the various supplementary services that might fall within their competencies. Radio Maria’s listeners are a continuous source from which to ask for volunteers.

Divine Providence, a Sure Support for Radio Maria “Seek God’s kingdom, and these other things will be given you besides” (Lk. 12,31). Work well done is blessed by God. For its material needs, Radio Maria

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appeals to the generosity of its listeners and admirers. It renounces advertising-based funding or funding from other sources that might limit or condition its mission. Listeners’ support is a guarantee that never falters and, at the same time, maintains the quality of the programs. Experience shows that Radio Maria finds the resources it needs in its audience. Radio Maria avoids spurious forms of funding such as the pay broadcasting of others’ programming. Faith in Divine Providence is not passive but operative and requires appropriate initiatives to make listeners co-responsible in daily support.

Radio Maria’s Spirit of Management As a registered non-profit association guided by a special missionary zeal, the spirit that inspires the direction of each of Radio Maria’s activities is of one of essentiality and simplicity. One of the key purposes in the management of each Radio Maria is to reach the entire national population and the so-called “least of these”. This must occur with professionalism so that the resources available can guarantee the gradual and optimal national coverage of the broadcasting signal with the aid of the most modern technologies of communication.

The main management directives must be open and shared with listeners, with all goals guided by the principles of honesty and administrative prudence with great care and attention paid to the management of resources (buildings, equipment, wages) as a sign of respect towards the poor who entrust their money to the radio.

The members of the registered association and the board of directors have a spirit of volunteering and therefore the free service in all the associations’ roles and the administrative control through an independent entity are an integral part of the spirit guiding the identity of each Radio Maria.

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Radio Maria’s Identity

Radio Maria Proclaims Conversion “Repent, and believe in the Gospel” (Mk. 1,15). Through its programming schedule, Radio Maria calls persons to conversion so that they may walk in God’s light and live in peace. Our programming schedule takes its inspiration from the spiritual and moral values of the Gospel and the teachings of the Catholic Church. The essential components of Radio Maria’s programming schedule of are prayer, evangelization, a Christian promotion of human dignity, and information enlightened by faith. The music chosen should also elevate souls and open hearts.

Prayer is Radio Maria’s most important activity and includes: the morning and evening prayers of a good Christian; daily Mass broadcast by parishes and the community; the Liturgy of the Hours; the Rosary; the Angelus; and devotions and special prayers.

Evangelization refers to the Catholic Church’s entire wealth of faith and culture and includes: the proclamation of the essential truths of the faith; a systematic explanation of the Catechism of the Catholic Church; and courses in dogmatic theology, moral theology, Holy Scripture, spirituality, Church history, Mariology, Hagiography, the Church’s social doctrine, pastoral issues, ecumenism, interreligious dialogue, etc.

The promotion of human dignity entails a focus on family, education, bioethics, health, work, respect for creation, etc. Reporting presents world events from a perspective of faith and correctly informing listeners of the universal and local Church.

In every moment of its programming schedule, Radio Maria should communicate light, peace, and fraternity.

Radio Maria Announcers Radio Maria’s announcers are Catholics, religious and laity, who share in the Radio Maria project, freely contributing to its accomplishment. Each

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announcer is inspired by the teaching of the Catholic Church, particularly the new universal Catechism. Radio Maria’s programming helps to reawaken and develop the faith and to build ecclesial communion. At the same time, it communicates authentically human values, addressing those who are distant as well as non-believers in order to help them find the road to salvation.

Each Radio Maria announcer must be more than a conductor; they must be credible witnesses, working behind the microphone with goodness and humility, living what they communicate and putting the witness of their faith and professional skills at the service of Our Lady and the listeners.

Radio Maria’s Listeners Radio Maria’s listeners are not an anonymous multitude, but rather a family that recognizes themselves on a journey to be shared. They play an active and dynamic role in the programs, participating with their questions and reflections. The testimonies of listeners’ lives are no less important than the teachings presented by the announcers. Listeners respond when they are encouraged to help Radio Maria in every possible way, through prayer, economic support, and volunteering. Listeners are Radio Maria’s true treasure and are to be protected, encouraged, and increased every day. ☐

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Pope Francis’ Message to the Radio Maria Family Clementine Hall of the Vatican, 29 October 2015

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ear Brothers and Sisters, I greet you all of you who make up the “Worldwide Family of Radio Maria� affectionately. I thank the Director of Radio Maria Italy, Fr. Livio Fanzaga, for his courteous words, the president, Emanuele Ferrario, and I thank you, directors of the various broadcasting stations active in some 70 countries in the five continents. Ideally present here, through you, are the faces and hearts of your listeners who, increasingly, appreciate and follow the radio programs of Radio Maria and support it with volunteer workers and offerings.

From its birth, Radio Maria, gave itself the aim to help the Church in the work of evangelization; and to do so in its own way, that is, with closeness to the concerns and struggles of the people, with words of comfort and hope, fruit of faith and commitment to solidarity. A clear and lofty objective, pursued with determination and constancy, which has been able to earn uncommon attention and following.

In carrying your intention forward, you have trusted Providence, which has never made you lack the means for your daily needs: for the modernization of technologies in order to have instruments in step with the times and for the development of the Radio, first in Italy and then in many countries of the world, with surprising capillarity and rapidity. In this regard, the challenge is to maintain the style of sobriety, as well as in the search for appropriate instruments.

The diffusion of Radio Maria in so many environments of different culture, language, and traditions is good news for all, because it shows that, when one has the courage to propose contents of high profile, beginning with a clear Christian membership, the initiative finds a good reception beyond the best expectations, sometimes, also, with those that perhaps come into contact >>

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Pope Francis’ Message to the Radio Maria Family

for the first time with the evangelical message. This should not be too astonishing because Mary, the Mother of God and our Mother, under whose name and protection your Radio is placed, is able to find the way to carry out great works from small and humble beginnings.

I therefore invite you to persevere in your commitment, which has become a true mission, with fidelity to the Gospel and to the Magisterium of the Church, and to listen to the society and to persons, especially the poorest and most marginalized, in order to be for all your listeners a point of reference and of support. In fact, by spreading the Gospel and devotion to Jesus’ Mother and promoting love of the Church and of prayer, you offer a valid “channel” to hear beautiful reflections, to learn to pray, to deepen reflection on the contents of the faith, which build and broaden horizons. In this way, the Radio becomes a means that does not just communicate an ensemble of news, ideas, and music without a leading thread, which could only seek to distract and perhaps amuse, but rather becomes a means of the first order to transmit hope, that true hope that derives from the salvation brought by the Lord Christ, and to offer good company to so many persons in need of it.

Today, you have gathered in Rome from all parts of the world to reflect on what could be called “the charism of Radio Maria.” It means that this Radio is listened to every day by more than 30 million people in the world and that it lives through the contribution of thousands of volunteers, offering a service appreciated in the local Church and also important for the local community. All those who listen to your radio programs recognize you as a radio that gives ample space to prayer, witnessing that, when one opens oneself to prayer, the door opens, is thrown open wide to the Lord.

In doing this, you have the model of Our Lady. Therefore, it is necessary to love with Mary’s heart in order to live and feel in tune with the Church. So, I

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encourage you to always cultivate the “interior garden� of prayer, of listening to the Word of God, and to make use of good readings to deepen your faith.

In other words, by doing yourselves what you propose to others with your programs. Moreover, always be aware that you give something great and unique: Christian hope, which is much more than simple spiritual consolation because it is founded on the power of the Resurrection, witnessed with faith and works of charity.

Therefore, let us put Radio Maria under Mary’s protective mantle, in particular, the persons and families of those that work there, your projects for the future, and all your listeners. I bless you all and your work. And please, do not forget to pray for me.

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Our History The Italian Association of Radio Maria and its Development

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n order to understand the Radio Maria Project it is helpful to mention the significant stages that have distinguished its foundation and development in a few brief historical notes.

In 1987, in a powerful and unforgettable speech, St. Pope John Paul II called for all believers to work together to carry out the great project of the “new evangelization” at the approach of the third millennium. Among the initiatives undertaken by laypeople and priests who welcomed the Pope’s invitation, there was a greater participation of Catholics in the world of mass media with the development of many radios that had already been broadcasting, even non-professionally, in parochial contexts.

These small radio stations, which often used the parish bell tower as a broadcasting point, set a goal of making it easier for people—above all the elderly—to listen to Sunday Mass and participate in saying the Rosary, thereby extending the fruit of the parishes’ mission.

One of these radios was set up in 1983 in the town of Erba, in the northern Italian region of Lombardy. Though it did not distinguish itself from the others in terms of style and organization, it had important characteristics: a special devotion to Our Lady, greater space given to prayer through the daily recitation of the entire Rosary and daily Mass, as well as special attention to the suffering. At that time, the radio was already called “Radio Maria”.

There was, however, still much to accomplish since Radio Maria also broadcast advertising messages and both its programming and technical management were rather amateurish. The beginning of the subsequent developmental stage of the Radio Maria Project, in Italy and worldwide, was determined by the firm belief that a radio that proclaims faith values could not be managed in a makeshift manner.

In 1987, therefore, the Radio Maria Association was established and >>

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Our History

the hand of Providence guided it to gradually bring together laypeople and religious with the ability to generously offer their personal spiritual and professional experience in the service of this small and humble means of communication.

The awareness of the need to widen the sphere of the radio’s influence and to move to a more professional level, by putting prayer and catechesis at the center of the programming schedule, developed among the members of the Association. The task was the one assigned to each Christian at Baptism, that is, to spread the Gospel message in communion with the doctrine and pastoral instructions of the Catholic Church and in fidelity to the Holy Father. An authentic “spiritual strategy”, organized in various sectors to best respond to the mission of this call, was thus created.

This new course of action was so successful that it allowed Radio Maria to quickly spread throughout Italy in just three years, thanks also to the extraordinary participation of millions of listeners through prayer and donations. Listeners had then also multiplied outside Italy, so much so that within a limited time the radio stations joining the Radio Maria Project extended to almost all world’s continents and could truly be referred to as a “universal call”.

The expansion of this “call” encouraged those in charge of the Italian Radio Maria Association to come up with an instrument that could guarantee the unity and cooperation of the various Radio Maria stations, already operating or in stages of being established, around the world.

It took years of discernment and prayer and sixteen operating radio stations in as many countries to come to understand how to set up such a structure.

As a result, the Association of the World Family of Radio Maria was founded in 1998 with the task of promoting, protecting, and developing the Radio Maria Project worldwide.

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Each Radio Maria that is assisted to emerge and develop locally, thus undertakes to join the “World Family” in order to contribute to the missionary activity of the Radio Maria Project in each of the world’s countries where it becomes the small seed of this call. ☐

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The Radio Maria Project Marian Spirituality: Radio Maria, Mary’s Gift of Service to the Church

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he Radio Maria Project was born as a response to Mary’s call. It was not chance that, at a certain moment, among the hundreds of parish and diocesan radios in Italy, the one was transformed into a beacon of evangelization bore Mary’s name. Is not Our Lady the “star of evangelization”, as St. Pope John Paul II called her in the prayer he wrote for Radio Maria? Radio Maria can only be understood only if its deep Marian character is understood.

It is not just a simple devotion to our Lady, which is the wealth of every good Christian. Driven by and following Radio Maria’s example, other Catholic radio stations have added the Rosary to their programming schedule. Radio Maria, however, has distinguished itself as a Marian radio for much deeper essential reasons.

The Blessed Virgin’s presence has been felt not only by its workers but also by the ever-growing family of listeners, a living and effective maternal presence that guides us on our journey of developing and expanding our radio station.

The admirable phenomenon of volunteering, which has called countless people to freely and generously give their support, blooms out of a love for Our Lady.

Out of love for Our Lady, our listeners have financed our expansion, first throughout Italy and then in the various nations of the world. The miracle of Radio Maria’s spiritual growth and expansion throughout the various continents would be incomprehensible outside of the framework of children’s love of their Mother.

The presence of Our Lady, concerned and silent at the same time, has steered the difficult navigation of the boundless ocean of broadcasting, making Radio Maria a small and humble handmaid of the Church.

There is no doubt that in all these years, with this small instrument and humanly frail means, Our Lady has reawakened prayer, protected the faith, called those distant, consoled the suffering, supported families, guided the young, >>

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The Radio Maria Project

and spread joy and peace to innumerable hearts.

When plain people claim that Radio Maria is “Our Lady’s radio” they simply want to bear witness to the fact that they welcome it as a gift of her maternal love. Looking back upon our journey, how can we fail to see Radio Maria as an admirable project of the Mother of God that we are called to bring about and carry to completion with our generous response?

Each new Radio Maria must be a response of love for Mary. It is Mary’s living presence in the hearts of those in charge, first and foremost the heart of the Priest Director, that is the true guarantee of fruitful perseverance.

Since its beginning, Radio Maria has established itself not as a special group or movement, even if inspired by Catholicism, but as a service to the Church. It is a Catholic initiative potentially open to the entire ecclesial reality in its complexity and variety of charisms.

The Radio Maria Association, which represents the propriety of the radio and safeguards its identity and founding charism, is formed by Catholics— priests, laypeople, and religious—who come from the most diverse ecclesial realities.

The same can be said of those responsible for the radio at various levels as well as the program announcers and the large ranks of volunteers. What is important is that they welcome the spirit of Radio Maria and allow themselves to be permeated by it. Our Lady, the Mother of the Church, cannot but instill a true “feeling of Church” in her children.

The characterization of Radio Maria as a radio station of ecclesial service implies first and foremost a loyal and undivided relationship with the Church’s Magisterium, in particular with the Pope, not only as regards teachings of faith and morality, but also as regards her essential pastoral guidelines.

Radio Maria works in harmony with the Church and also feels committed to promoting ever deeper communion. We do so in a special way through

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prayer connections from various parishes and ecclesial realities and by promoting dialogue, understanding, and love for the Church in our programming. The World Family of Radio Maria itself must be increasingly experienced as a concrete example of ecclesial communion.

How can Mary’s living presence be shared, bringing it to the benefit of the audience? How can they—listeners who had always conceived of the mass media and radio in particular as a means of entertainment or, at the most, of mere information—participate actively in the richness of the faith and the daily fruits of conversion? ☐

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Characteristics of Our Radio The Challenge of Programming • The Priest Director Missionary Spirit • Shared Responsibility • Volunteers The Challenge of Programming In the panorama of Italian parish radios, Radio Maria is unique because it has established itself as the Radio Maria Association, a decidedly religious and evangelizing choice. The basis of this radical change in programming was the strong belief that people today, although distracted and often bound by material things, are awaiting God and His Word even if not always aware of it.

Parish radios at the time were broadcasting many secular programs in an attempt to attract listeners, letting them hear the occasional good word. Radio Maria instead bet on a programming schedule based largely on prayer and catechesis with the conviction that the people would pay attention and show interest.

To come to these decisions, which clearly went against mainstream choices, it was necessary to trust in the power of the Gospel and have the courage to take the risk.

A programming schedule with eight hours of prayer and twelve hours on issues dealing with religious culture and human promotion did not seem realistic.

Even today, radio is commonly seen as the background soundtrack for other activities. This choice, however, marked the beginning of Radio Maria’s “success”. Radio Maria’s captivating force—which largely explains its success, first in Italy where there are two hundred other Catholic radios, and then worldwide—is due primarily to its explicit and ardent witness of the Christian and Catholic faith. By its nature, Christianity cannot be preached unless it is lived.

The phenomenon of Radio Maria would be inexplicable without the work of Our Lady’s grace, which has inflamed the hearts of so many simple people who have answered her call and have committed themselves to the task.

The personal commitment along the spiritual journey must involve all those who participate in serving Radio Maria. The broadcasts, however well prepared and technically perfect, would be meaningless without the witness of lived faith. What must be perceived by any person turning Radio Maria on is the sincere, convinced, and joyful testimony of the faith. >>

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The Radio: characteristics

This can take place in any broadcast, not only those that are strictly religious. From the words of the various announcers, as from those of listeners, what must shine through is a heart open to God, a witness to truth, and a commitment to holiness.

Radio Maria must be an instrument to draw people to God and make them draw more close to one another. It must commit itself, with its listeners, to an authentic spiritual journey. The ultimate goal of all our programming is to help the Church in its divine mission of saving souls.

This is why Radio Maria, in a world that has often turned its back on the Gospel, must strongly proclaim the message of conversion, pointing out the way to salvation and showing those who are distant the inexhaustible resources of divine mercy. This is only possible if those responsible for

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the radio and the program conductors feel personally committed to the journey of conversion. Radio Maria sustains the fervor of Christian life not only with catechesis, but also and above all by dedicating a large amount of time to prayer.

From its beginning, a third of the programming has been dedicated to prayer, the essence of the entire schedule. Through prayer, in all its various forms, Radio Maria nourishes faith, provides accompaniment along the spiritual journey, and cultivates ecclesial communion.

The prayer programs, out of all the rest, are always the most followed and must thus be given special care and attention.

The Priest Director The Church’s presence in Radio Maria is represented in a special way by the Director, who must always be a priest who has received his Ordinary’s permission. In a complex reality such as the Radio Maria Association, the important sections and figures are many, as the legal statute shows. The Priest Director plays an essential role in guaranteeing the ecclesial dimension of the service offered by Radio Maria.

It is his task to deal with the entirety of the programming schedule, particularly in the choice of announcers, and he must guarantee the orthodoxy of the teachings and the precious asset of ecclesial communion to the competent ecclesial authority. He is responsible for everything that is broadcast.

He also has the task of organizing the internal operations of the editorial office so that it may be an exemplary place of work, welcome, and peace.

He must be a guide and an example for the announcers and the spiritual leader of the volunteers. He also represents a pastoral reference figure for the listeners with his daily presence at the microphones. It is his voice that must make the frequent, steadfast, and convincing invitation to make sacrifices and give the help needed to support and expand Radio Maria. >>

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The Radio: characteristics

Because of the centrality of this role in a radio of evangelization and because of the responsibilities it involves, the Priest Director must dedicate himself full time to carrying out these tasks, aware that they represent a pastoral activity of great importance to the Church as well as for the accomplishment of his priestly mission.

Experience teaches us that when the Priest Director is committed full time, a Radio Maria is quick to flourish.

Missionary Spirit By its very nature, radio reaches everywhere, gaining listeners in the most remote and unexpected places. It is an instrument uniquely predisposed to outreach towards those who are distant. Not only does Radio Maria’s voice nourish and support the faith of Christians who attend church, it also reaches many who are distant from it but who feel God’s call in their hearts.

It is enough to listen to the testimonials of priest confessors who realize that many lukewarm Christians have returned to the Church by listening to Radio Maria. Not infrequently, the witness of faith is heard by non-believers, dispelling their prejudices, opening their hearts to the work of Grace, and creating the necessary conditions for accepting faith.

This care for those who are distant must be a feature of each and every Radio Maria in addition to the pastoral concern for those already in the fold.

Also, the missionary dimension of each Radio Maria must emphasize the practical commitment of supporting the World Family’s initiatives to spread the radio throughout the world.

In this regard, the story of the founding radio station is an example for all.

Originating in a specific area in Italy and having reached regional limits, the people themselves willing sought for it to become nationwide and through their sacrifices they made it happen.

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Having achieved this goal, the desire to take Radio Maria worldwide came about almost spontaneously. Listeners were eager to help spread Radio Maria to the various continents with their generosity, making the World Family possible and supporting its work. This example means that no Radio Maria can curl in on itself; it pays for what has been achieved in its territory.

Each Radio Maria must aspire to support a project that, by its nature, is universal and missionary in accordance with the spirit of the Catholic Church.

Shared Responsibility The guiding principles of the Radio Maria Project appropriately emphasize that one of Radio Maria’s essential characteristics is to renounce the use of advertising or funding that could compromise its independence and >> freedom, relying solely on faith in Divine Providence. Nevertheless, con-

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The Radio: characteristics

fidence in the help of Heaven, which is part of the Christian vision of life, must not become an excuse to shirk responsibility.

From the beginning, Radio Maria has made a pact with its listeners, stating that the venture would be pursued as long as there was an audience willing to make sacrifices to support it. The listeners were involved in each step forward and in every new project. They feel that they have shared the responsibility for the admirable work accomplished and are very proud to have helped Our Lady.

There is no doubt that Radio Maria is both Mary’s gift to us but also our gift to her. This pact between Radio Maria and our listeners holds true for every Radio Maria station in the world. Whoever listens to Radio Maria must realize that it exists and grows thanks to the sacrifices of its audience.

These sacrifices have to be asked for and encouraged and above all rightfully earned with the commitment and fervor with which we work for the radio and its programs. Without this ability to enter into peoples’ hearts and involve them in Our Lady’s project, a Radio Maria has no future. People are moved and are willing to make sacrifices only if they know that they are helping the Mother of God and the Church in saving souls.

A radio that is the fruit of the sacrifices and generosity of its listeners naturally involves a controlled, rigorous, and responsible management of money so that its results are beyond reproach and so that the goal of implementing the Project is constantly being worked toward.

Volunteers Volunteer work is an essential aspect of Radio Maria that, from its beginning, emerged as an initiative widely supported by the people of God. While it is necessary to understand the deep motivations of volunteers who cooperate in the project in different ways, it ultimately comes from a

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profound love for Our Lady. If many people are moved to support Radio Maria in many different ways, with donations as well as various forms of service, this comes from their desire to help Our Lady to accomplish her plans of love.

We can be asked for the greatest sacrifices and the grandest acts of generosity for Our Lady. Without a love for the Blessed Virgin, volunteering would be a fantasy. Even those who, working full time for Radio Maria, have a standard work contract, can and must nurture a spirit of true volunteerism, making their generous contribution with the love and enthusiasm of those who know they are working for a great and noble cause.

Regarding making use of volunteers’ gifts, the principle applies that it must be applied as widely as possible, making use of paid staff and contributors only when it is essential for the radio’s proper operation. �

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The National Associations Legal Structure • Management • Promotion and Expansion • Technical Operations

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his third chapter will describe the reasons that led to the understanding of the need to create a registered organization to accomplish the mission that Radio Maria was contemplating. We will go into further detail regarding the instrumental aspects that provide optimal working conditions for the radio stations. The basis of each Radio Maria is its external visibility and what it represents, not only in its relation to the ecclesiastical hierarchy but also to civil society.

Legal Structure The legal foundations of Radio Maria’s raison d’être are one of the expressions of the radio’s charism. The proper expression of each Radio Maria thus begins in setting up a registered non-profit association. As we have seen, this is the first step to organizing the work and identifying those who periodically, through elected positions, are guarantors of the initiative, carrying it out according to its goals.

It is immediately evident that Radio Maria’s mission comes through the call of, the initiative, and the loyalty to the Project on the part of the people who make up in this association and through the association’s clear adhesion to the inspiring Principles of the Radio Maria Project.

The experience and continuous discernment of years in radio broadcasting have brought those in charge to understand that an appropriate and smooth development of the Project comes from drawing up a statute for the association that fully reflects the proposed legal model and that guides its life and clarifies its internal relations and consequently its broadcasting activity. Each Radio Maria set up in various countries is therefore the result of the journey of a small group of people who, in full awareness of the call, wish to carry out the Radio Maria Project.

This group of people constitutes a non-profit association, registered >>

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The National Associations

and operating on a national level, with the purpose of responding to the call to reach the entire nation by radio as well as to participate in the Radio Maria Project in the world, committed to following the World Family Association of Radio Maria, with each member having equal rights and duties.

The boards and associative offices are: - The Assembly, a monitoring and planning body that both stimulates as well as constantly verifies consistency with the spirit of the radio; - The Board of Directors, with extensive powers that include the election of its President who legally represents the Association.

The members of the Governing Council must assume full responsibility for all the radio’s activities according to a specific division of duties. The members of the Assembly have the primary task of safeguarding Radio Maria’s charism, style, and purposes of through control of the Board of Directors, encouraging a spirit of initiative in favor of the station’s gradual and steady development.

The experience over these years has taught us that it is very difficult to create the conditions for an organic development of the radio’s broadcasting activity without the steady and conscious strategic control of a Board of Directors made up of a small number of efficient people of good will from various backgrounds together with the indispensable “fire” of an understanding of the fundamental vocation. It is important that the Board of Directors sets up an operating committee, called the “ExCom”, that is made up of the President and Priest Director that, with the participation of the Coordinator, can oversee the radio’s operations.

Management Through its entrusted officials, the Association guarantees the appropri-

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ate strategic control to carry out the radio’s broadcasting activity that, because of the entirety of its complex activities, requires a careful and competent entrepreneurial form of management.

The founding principle guiding the Association, which was established in 1987, is as follows: “Radio Maria does not have the purpose of making a profit, but of commitment to doing good; it does not use advertising to fund itself but rather is supported solely by the freely given donations of its listeners, in full respect of the charism and style of its mission”.

This principle must be the reference point that guides and organizes the management of each Radio Maria. A good and clear administrative management of Radio Maria is another of the elements that demonstrates its full adherence to its spiritual aims, as its listeners can also see.

The criteria which should guide the choice of administrators are: - valuing volunteerism; - dependence on listeners’ donations; - rejection of any type of sponsorship; - extreme care of and attention to resource management (buildings, equipment, wages) as a sign of respect for the poor who entrust their money to the radio; - that all the Association’s roles are non-salaried; - checks of the administration by an independent body.

Finally, we must add an element that will never appear in other management manuals: trust in Divine Providence.

We can briefly summarize the staff positions that are responsible for the radio’s general management: - a Priest Director who takes responsibility for the programming schedule and who takes care of putting together and managing a competent editorial team; >>

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The National Associations

- an Editor-in-Chief who works with the Priest Director on the different programming activities (scheduling, supervision of broadcasts, archiving, web presence) and who is in charge of training and organizing the volunteers involved in the editorial area; - a Coordinator who manages the various work areas in close cooperation with the Association’s President; - a Head of Promotion and Expansion in charge of stimulating and promoting the Radio Maria Project within the country, motivating and organizing the team of volunteers who assist in developing the radio’s activities; - Local Tech Managers who, together with the President and the Coordinator, deal with issues pertaining to the radio and audio frequencies and internet technology, working closely with the World Family of Radio Maria’s Network Manager; - a President, who must be first and foremost a “good father”: the person entitled to legally represent the Association and who can attend to the radio’s management as a whole, if he has enough time.

The professional integrity, honesty, and competence of each managing head is essential to properly carrying out the Radio Maria Project.

Promotion and Expansion From its beginnings, Radio Maria has chosen to support its activities with several significant promotional initiatives to make itself more widely known both in the ecclesial context as well as in a larger and mixed audience.

Living on Providence and the donations of its listeners, it is fundamental to make this unique difference of our means of communication known; setting a goal of introducing our radio’s existence to the entire population so that we might rely on the generosity of all those who can help us in fulfilling our mission. As the managing director, the Priest Director must raise awareness and, periodically, inform listeners directly regarding the

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life of the radio without hiding what is necessary for its survival, precisely as happens in a family.

There are many ways to expand Radio Maria; the first form of promotion is simply talking about it. Subsequently, promotional materials can be produced to simply and comprehensively communicate information regarding the Project.

Obviously, it must be taken into account that Radio Maria lives by Providence and finances itself thanks to the sacrifices of its listeners. Promotional material, therefore, must be moderate in costs, essential and effective in its “message�, and aiming above all at making our charism easily understandable with frequent mention of when and where to listen to Radio Maria.

The testimony of listeners’ experiences on Radio Maria is also very effective, because lived experience witnesses to and guarantees the substance of Christian life. These testimonials could be presented in short pamphlets by the local Radio Maria Associations to spread the effects of the Project in each country.

As regards promotion, there are other significant tools that can be >>

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The National Associations

of great help in spreading the word nationwide. For example, the services of the “mobile studios” can guarantee that the programming includes the daily presence of prayer, particularly of Mass, directly from the parishes and communities, thus, making a “communion of Church”!

To organize such activities it would be appropriate to consider the possibility of making very simple territorial premises available through, if possible, of parishes or donors who can support volunteer and local promotion.

Such service is very effective because it not only allows a constant and daily relationship with those in charge of the “local churches”, but also offers the opportunity to make contact with thousands of people who take part in the liturgies that Radio Maria broadcasts live. In this way, the “word of mouth” is spread widely and effectively.

The vital work of thousands and thousands of volunteers is also important in this area. Out of love of Our Lady and her radio they in turn share the same information and have the opportunity to make Radio Maria known in their own areas of residence.

Thanks to our volunteers it is possible to be present in prisons, hospitals, and old age homes where many prayer programs are transmitted from and where the volunteers’ presence and action is a source of hope for those suffering from loneliness, pain, and abandonment. These volunteers must be reliable people from every point of view and must be properly organized and guided by a responsible director who plans their initiatives. Periodic visits paid by this person in charge along with his assistants to the mobile studios and volunteers scattered nationwide is an indispensable duty, not only for organizational updates but also to nourish their enthusiasm for a service that is essential to the life of Radio Maria.

Technical Operations A professional systems management and a clearly defined technical strate-

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gy must be strengths of the Radio Maria Project to spread the Word of God through the airwaves.

The radio broadcasting network is the tool through which the programming reaches its listeners. Listeners’ approval generates the subscriptions that support the investment and management costs of the network systems as well as of programming. It is therefore necessary that the network broadcast programs with the best technological quality to the highest possible number of listeners: both the network systems and the programs must be of the best quality.

It is pointless to produce quality programs without a network system that can broadcast them or to have a perfect network which broadcasts poor quality programs.

Those employed in setting up and maintaining the system as well as those working on program editing must aim at achieving the highest quality. It is crucial to take advantage of all the opportunities made available by new technologies in the field of communication (digital networks, internet, social networks, etc.). �

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The World Family of Radio Maria

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nce you have seen how the work of a single radio develops, it is easy to recognize the seed that Mary has gently scattered worldwide. The Marian strategy, which originated in Italy in the 1980’s, was already preparing the way for the others in the world to join in spontaneously. We were thus aware of facing a worldwide Project that had to be managed with a coordinated structure in order to guarantee the necessary tools for supporting the spiritual, operational, and technological growth of the new radios in the world.

It wasn’t an easy task, since it meant uniting people from radically different experiences, cultures, and communication systems. Our missionary and universal charism is measured precisely by difference: the possibility of cohesion and growth shows whether the “divine hand” blesses an enterprise.

Since 1998, the World Family has been legally established as a non-profit association that helps to distribute Radio Maria worldwide, taking the responsibility for organizing and exchanging experiences of all the activities that can promote and develop the Project worldwide.

Naturally then, all the national associations that establish a Radio Maria station in their country converge in the World Family. They are, therefore, according to the Guiding Principles, not only united on spiritual and moral level but also on a legal and operational level as they manage local financial resources that are then allocated to the continued development of the Project worldwide. After all, it is well-known that the first form of assistance is to do one’s duty well.

The World Family has the fundamental task of overseeing three of the radios’ key aspects: editorial production, associative and administrative management, and promotion and expansion.

The enthusiasm and self-sacrifice of everyone who has done their best in this worldwide mission but above all, the call of Mary and faith in Divine Providence is making it possible to create a Marian network, which needs competence and organization. The Italian Association, through Radio Maria Italy, has christened >>

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The World Family of Radio Maria

the development of its activity worldwide with great faith and sacrifice as well as the extraordinary support and involvement of Italian listeners who constantly follow the development of the Project throughout the five continents.

The World Family was born and organized as an association of services and the beneficiaries of these services are precisely its members, that is, the national associations that generate the Radio Maria stations in their country that must subsequently join the World Family in order to guarantee the development of the Project worldwide by applying the Guiding Principles.

The Worldwide Association gradually perfects its work, making the skills and specific experience of its area managers—the first to carry out the Project in Italy—available. Along with a President who guarantees the Project and a spiritual counselor who serves as a worldwide managing editor, there are also central offices. The different area managers—operational and managerial— professionally assist members around the world who need their help.

The mission is not limited to just the operating radios, but responds to the numerous calls that arrive from various countries. The World Family thus gradually appointed Continental Representatives who, in coordination with the area managers of the head office, assist and try to resolve the various needs of the national Associations.

In short, this is the mandate that the World Family has been called to carry out: a) to preserve and promote the expansion of the Radio Maria Project worldwide; b) to manage the image of the Radio Maria Project internationally; c) to administer the funds offered by the various established national associations to the new or recently founded associations, deciding their allocation and monitoring their use; d) to develop and support the creation of a global network (technical and organizational); e) to promote research and a sharing of experience between the various Radio

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Maria stations around the world; f ) to regulate the use, development, and protection of the Radio Maria trademark worldwide; g) to represent, if needed, the World Family and each national association to the authorities of the Catholic Church.

The history of Radio Maria is re-written each day throughout the world. Dawn accompanies the praises of the Lord through the airwaves in the now countless languages of the radio programming schedules. These languages are valuable precisely because they are the spontaneous manifestations of souls giving thanks to and blessing God their Creator.

The presence of God’s minister, the Priest Director, instils peace and tranquility in listeners and nurtures the spiritual climate of what has been called the “community of the airwaves”. Listeners have often been caught up in a sudden breath of Grace that came at just the right moment, listening to the witness of a volunteer host on one of our stations.

The gift of self, the simplicity, and the large hearts of our volunteers are the wealth and the secret of our radio stations around the world. The sacrifice entailed in this constant gift of love for one’s brothers and sisters in God’s name has always been the means necessary to spread the Gospel.

The thought of Mary’s peace and unity softens the difficulties of the mission of the Radio Maria Project in the world, guaranteeing to return hope to those who have lost it by means of the simple tools that the Lord has given us. Only a few years ago seemed impossible to transmit these over the air. Now the Eucharist, prayer, and spiritual harmony are part of a programming schedule designed for us to help lead us to salvation. ☐

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Our Distinguishing Features The Trademark • Our Image The Trademark The visible aspect of the Radio Maria Project also bears mentioning here. In the first sections, we saw how love for Mary has been the clearest and most meaningful element of our strength and spiritual cohesion. That is why dedicating our entire work to her took on special meaning. The name “Radio Maria” is the first feature that distinguishes the spiritual reality and nature of the Project worldwide.

It is equally clear that the name should be protected and safeguarded from other parallel or misleading initiatives, considering both its particularly delicate nature and its development within the noisy and dangerous world of mass media, which is always hunting for sensationalism.

The Italian Radio Maria Association is the owner of the “Radio Maria”, trademark the distinguishing feature of the Project, and manages its registration worldwide. The Italian Association then charges the World Family of Radio Maria with the task of protecting, monitoring, and developing the Radio Maria trademark globally. In turn, the World Family of Radio Maria entrusts the national associations with the exclusive mandate of the call to carry out the Project in their specific country. >>

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Our Distinguishing Features

Our Image Our trademark exemplifies the spirit and the spiritual nature of Radio Maria.

We can feel proud that there can be no misunderstanding of our mission. Radio Maria is recognized all over and well-identified by its name, which immediately calls our image and mission to mind.

Our logo has always been associated with a clearly distinct image of Mary that, in terms of artistic iconography, fully embodies the spirit of Radio Maria with Our Lady’s kind, far-sighted, and joyful expression.

The Guiding Principles, the practical and spiritual elements of this spontaneous undertaking and of its consequent adoption of the Project, bind this mandate.

The image without the name, or the name without the image, would be unfaithful to this spiritual artistic concept. It was thus decided to surround Mary’s face with a small luminous halo of the different languages in which the name “Radio Maria” is registered and expressed.

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These are the distinctive, universal features of the Radio Maria Project: the radio, the voice that becomes Word; the name of the Blessed Virgin Mary, promoter of the Project of conversion; her image in a logo, which in every moment reminds us of the gift that Mary has given us in choosing us as her servants. �

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Appendices A) Guiding Principles Foreword “...Only the word which has behind it a testimony of life, the word grown on the soil of faith, hope and love, will have the power to convince and form persons. It can become the tool of the new evangelization.” ( John Paul II, speech to the Radio Maria pilgrims on 23/03/94) The Italian non-profit Association of Radio Maria, hereinafter referred to as RM, has conceived of, founded and drawn up the Radio Maria Project, inspired by its statutory principles (the “Project”) and is owner of the Radio Maria trademark (the “Trademark”).

The World Family of Radio Maria, hereinafter WFRM, is the non-profit Association delegated to develop, coordinate, assist, study, research, and exchange working knowledge in order to disseminate the Radio Maria Project worldwide.

The Associations, Foundations or national Bodies of Radio Maria are non-profit associations recognized and appointed by WFRM to develop the Project in their corresponding countries, having license of the usage of the RM trademark, and committed to ensuring its respect and the promotion of the Project’s values.

The members of the Associations are those who voluntarily and freely embrace the values of the RM Project and its spirituality through an agreement expressed upon joining the Association as members. They are called to monitor that the values and mission of the RM Project are scrupulously respected in their countries through participation in the Associations, foundations, or organizations. They are also called to remain in communion with the Catholic Church and the other members of the RM Association and the WFRM in compliance with article 6.5.

Our listeners are the raison d’être of the RM Project. They are the “on air” community that helps the Project spiritually and financially. The Director must inform and involve them in the development and needs of the RM Project in their country and worldwide.

The Guiding Principles of the RM Project are the fundamental rules that the na-

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tional associations that generate radio stations with the name “Radio Maria” or those which subscribe to the RM Project, must comply with in order to guarantee full adherence to the Project.

Purpose The aim of the RM Project is to save souls, that is, to proclaim the Kingdom of Heaven and call souls to conversion through a presentation of the Catholic faith, establishing national radio stations with the corresponding editorial activities that make use of the Principles listed in the “RM Project” publication, which are called “Guiding Principles”.

1) On the Legal Structure and Legal Relationships 1.1) The RM Project is designed as a free initiative of priests, religious, and lay faithful and is implemented in every country of the world through setting up a distinct, independent and unique national legal entity. It therefore exists in the following legal forms: as Association, Foundation, or Organization, each respectively not for profit.

1.2) Each such Association, Foundation, or Organization has the purpose of setting up a radio station, which then acquires the name and exclusive use of the RM Trademark in the country in which it operates, as a definition of its radio activity.

It pledges to request membership to the WFRM Association and subsequently to undersign a specific agreement to adhere to the RM Project, according to the model approved by the Italian Association.

1.3) To ensure the dissemination of the Gospel message even to our immigrant brothers and sisters as well as to support those of a linguistic or cultural minority in a country, it is possible to set up Associations, Foundations or Organizations to broadcast RM in the same nation (as the association addressed in 1.2), using however the language of the linguistic minorities and/or immigrants instead of the official, majority language.

1.4) The councils and accompanying roles that represent the Association, Foundation, or Organization are: - the Assembly, made up of a small number of members, of which at least one is a representative appointed by WFRM, to oversee and plan. Its purpose is to motivate as well as provide a constant verification of compliancy with the RM Project;

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Appendices - the Board of Directors, which has extensive powers to outline the radio station’s strategy. It is presided over by the President, who legally represents the Association.

1.5) To ensure the association’s goals, the statutes and regulations of the constituent Associations, Foundations, or Organizations (which are non-profit as per 1.1) draw inspiration from the statutory model and regulations provided by WFRM, which then gives final approval through its specifically delegated representative.

Any subsequent amendment to the statutes must always be in line with the Guiding Principles of the RM Project and, in any case, always be presented for review by WFRM through its specifically appointed representative in order to guarantee its conformity with the Guiding Principles.

1.6) All the Associations, Foundations, or Organizations operate in conformity with the Magisterium of the Catholic Church.

1.7) Any office or function within the Associations, Foundations, or Organizations is to be considered of free service, without financial compensation, and is thus incompatible with any private personal activities that may generate a conflict of interests with such roles. It is, therefore, recommended that such roles not be held by persons having familial ties between them.

1.8) Formation: the presidential candidates chosen by the Board of Directors or by the Assemblies of the Associations must undergo a period of training at the headquarters in Italy in order to cultivate a sense of the values inherent to their roles. A specifically appointed work group will be established and chaired by the President of the World Family for this purpose.

2) On Ties to the Catholic Church Each Association, Foundation, or Organization that carries out RM’s broadcasting activities: 2.1) places itself under the doctrinal supervision of the Magisterium of the Catholic Church and is faithful to Holy Father’s directives, considering all editorial activity as a tool in service to the Church, maintaining full communion with the competent ecclesiastical Authorities while maintaining its own legal and administrative autonomy; 2.2) is to consider itself open, without preference, to all groups operating within the Church that place themselves under the aforesaid doctrinal vigilance of the

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Magisterium of the Catholic Church; and 2.3) has a Priest Director—appointed by the Association, Foundation, or Organization’s Board of Directors, having received the permission of his Ordinary and the approval of the WFRM—who is responsible for the content of the entire editorial section as well as for the programs’ theological content.

2.4) Formation: the Directors chosen by the Board of Directors must receive a period of training at the headquarters in Italy and at the appropriate continental offices in order to cultivate a sense of the values inherent to their roles. A specifically appointed work group will be established and chaired by the President of the World Family for this purpose.

2.5) Information: each Association, Foundation, or Organization undertakes, through the Director, to send a copy of the annual programming schedule to the WFRM and to the competent ecclesiastical authority.

3) On Administration and Technical Operations Each Association, Foundation, or Organization, in carrying out its activities, is not for profit and in line with the Guiding Principles set forth herein and commits itself to: 3.1) guaranteeing a smooth procedure of financial accounting and the clear use of donations through the organization of an efficient, competent, and scrupulous management of operations, undertaking to arrange an annual administrative inspection through an independent entity specialized in auditing accounts and to send the estimated and final budget sheets to the WFRM administration team on a yearly basis; 3.2) fulfilling the special spiritual charism of the broadcasting and editorial activities, expressly excluding the use of any commercial advertising or sponsorship; 3.3) making use of donations as a way to finance the broadcasting and editorial activities, while providing for the production of editorial pieces in the name of the national association, therefore for the purpose of spreading the Gospel and its mission; 3.4) having as one of its main broadcasting aims the optimal coverage of the entire national population; 3.5) managing the technical operations of the broadcasting activity in close collaboration with WFRM and with the appropriate information and cooperation set

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Appendices forth by the annual assemblies of WFRM and the Board of Directors of WFRM; 3.6) helping to develop the Project and set up new Radio Maria stations around the world by supplying material resources, functional services to that end, and cooperation in the form of personnel who will volunteer at other radio stations for specific periods of time as an expression of our missionary spirit; 3.7) using volunteers to support the work of those in charge; and 3.8) the systematic and strategic task of promotion by producing materials suited to that purpose as well as competently organizing the development of a wider network of external volunteers throughout the area covered by the radio signal.

4) On the Programming Schedule, Editorial Slant, Spirituality, and Volunteer Work Each Association, Foundation, or Organization involved in the activity and development of broadcasting RM, through the directives of its Director who is engaged full-time by the same Association, undertakes to observe the following universal principles that embody the spirituality of the RM Project’s mission in a daily schedule consisting of: 4.1) the daily prayers of a good Christian and prayers of intercession; 4.2) daily Mass, possibly broadcast from different locations (churches, religious institutes, etc.); 4.3) the Liturgy of the Hours; 4.4) the Rosary; 4.5) catechetical and cultural religious programs presented by priests, religious men and women, and laypeople representing the entire spectrum of the Christian faith in a way that is clear and accessible to all; 4.6) a systematic, daily exposure to the Catechism of the Catholic Church by the Priest Director; 4.7) specialized religious programs divided into the specific categories of: young adults, children, the sick, catechists, religious, priests, etc.; 4.8) programs promoting human dignity with issues concerning the family, education, health, social and cultural problems, etc.; 4.9) informative programs that specifically deal with news regarding the life of the universal and local Church; 4.10) music with content inspired by the Word of God, Church Doctrine,

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and values that are in harmony with our faith, which elevates the soul to God, instils peace, and promotes prayer. It is best to choose religious songs, both from the great Catholic tradition as well as more recent songs, particularly songs used in the liturgy.

The programming schedule is guided by editorial principles that are guidelines based on the experience of our specific evangelizing mission.

Each Association, Foundation, or Organization involved in carrying out and developing RM’s broadcasting activity should, through its Director and attentive to all of society’s layers, follow these guidelines in matters of ecumenism, politics, private revelations, editorial management, and volunteer work: 4.11) ensure that the Editorial manager does not take on other responsibilities in the media (radio, tv, virtual media, etc.); 4.12) monitor that each RM editorial piece, be it a radio broadcast or any kind of publication, has no direct involvement in specifically political themes, but promotes a formation for listeners to arrive at a mature judgement on the matter, in line with the Church’s social doctrine; 4.13) always express Catholic teaching faithfully, with a respect for our separated brothers and sisters as well as those of other faiths and non-believers; 4.14) to not disseminate or use private revelations that have not been recognized by the Church or accepted as Church custom, or that at least are being handled by the Church through specific commissions and in compliance with those. Any references to apparitions not yet officially approved by the Church must be treated with due care and only by the Priest Director; 4.15) staff the programming schedule exclusively with volunteers as RM Project’s broadcasting mission is a service to its listeners that assumes the reality of the national Church, rebroadcasting it nationwide; 4.16) promote an immediate contact with listeners through live broadcasts of prayer, calm dialogue through phone calls, correspondence, and live appearances in broadcasts in order to provide every possible word of comfort; 4.17) ensure that the programming schedule always aims at a style of peace,

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Appendices gentleness, and patience; 4.18) offer listeners an elevated level of spiritual moral life; 4.19) provide a clearly Catholic character to all broadcasting and editorial activities; 4.20) have a single headquarters from which all the nation’s stations should make daily link-ups through specially equipped teams called “mobile studios” or other detached studios, which in any case should operate part-time and under the responsibility of the central management team; 4.21) develop a daily programming schedule with a clear prevalence of self-produced programs; 4.22) participate in all the editorial activities organized by WFRM, even on a continental level; 4.23) suggest to and welcome instructions from the editorial team of WFRM.

5) On Volunteer Work Each Association, Foundation, or Organization involved in carrying out and developing RM’s broadcasting activities should make extensive use of volunteer work, conceived as a service to the Church, to the Faith, and to Our Lady and thus as a collaboration free of charge that creates a dynamic and widespread system of assistance to the area managers who work full-time.

The specific breakdown of volunteers covers all work areas and is consequently subdivided as follows: 1 – program volunteers (teaching) 2 – broadcast support volunteers (mixers, prayers, accompaniment) 3 – tech service volunteers (editing, archiving, etc.)

4 – mobile studio volunteers 5 – volunteers in promotional activities, and 6 – volunteers in administrational services.

Volunteering for RM is a journey in the discipleship of Mary through which we continue to grow in our faith life and in holiness.

6) On Safeguarding the Guiding Principles and Resolving Disputes 6.1) A committee for interpreting the RM Project’s Guiding Principles,

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hereinafter referred to as the “Committee”, can be instituted by WFRM to guarantee a proper interpretation of the Guiding Principles. An internal manager will be appointed to manage the Committee’s works with the corresponding title of “Head of the Committee for Interpreting the Guiding Principles of the Radio Maria Project”.

6.2) Each dispute related to the interpretation of the Guiding Principles will be resolved by the Committee; 6.3) The Committee will be formed by a maximum of five members, including the Head of the Committee; 6.4) Permanent members of the Committee are the managing President and Priest Director of RM, who can express a binding opinion on the appointment of the Head of the Committee.

6.5) The members of the Associations undertake to comply with the regulations internal to their own associations and those of the World Family as well as the rulings of the Board of Directors and the Assembly of their particular association and of the World Family.

6.6) If needed, the World Family can represent the World Family and every single national Association before the competent ecclesiastical authorities.

The World Family Board of Directors will have full power to deliberate in order to maintain ecclesial communion (as established at point 2.1). The World Family Board of Directors must also be informed by the national radio stations and should express a binding opinion regarding the resignation of a Radio Maria Director (cf. point 2.3) or President. The rulings of the World Family Board will take immediate effect and will be ratified in the case of an associate’s appeal to the Assembly of the World Family. ☐

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Appendices

B) Vision, Mission, Values Radio Maria’s Vision To proclaim the Gospel to every person, at all times, and in all places.

Radio Maria’s Mission To establish national Catholic radio stations, a simple and straightforward instrument for communicating the New Evangelization.

Radio Maria’s Values 1. Ecclesial Spirit Radio Maria is specially committed to following the Holy Father’s teachings and pastoral directives.

2. Faith in Divine Providence Radio Maria develops according to faith values, not on a basis of special interests or material calculations.

3. Missionary Spirit Radio Maria must try to reach the entire national population, paying special attention to the marginalized in our society.

4. Marian Spirituality Radio Maria must nourish, with humility and sacrifice, the desire to help the Handmaid of the Lord in her work of saving souls.

5. Volunteerism Our volunteers are the beating heart of Radio Maria. ☐

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C) Ethical code Radio Maria Members: • are missionaries (through communication) • work for peace • are friends and brothers and sisters of every other Radio Maria member worldwide • are joyful in their service, strong through the suffering of the Cross, and compassionate toward their neighbor • are hard-working, thrifty, and welcoming.

Radio Maria members endeavor to: • place themselves at the service of the Church, the Pope, and the bishops, united in communion with the Lord • work with a volunteering spirit in the service of spreading the Gospel message • promote the Catholic Faith and its Magisterium as a service to society • follow Our Lady as a path to personal conversion • hope and trust in Divine Providence. ☐

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Appendices

D) The Church and Radio Maria Saint Pope John Paul II

“People need authentic teaching. A word that constructs and does not divide; a word that brings confidence to frightened hearts, a pure Word, a simple Word that proclaims love and truth.

This word is the message of salvation. It is Christ himself.

You are the preachers of this word, and you must be, above everything else, witnesses to the Word.

Only the word that is supported by a testimony of life, only the word nurtured by faith, hope, and love, will have the power to convince people and educate them. Such a word can become the means for the new evangelization”.

Message of John Paul II to the Radio Maria’s pilgrims Rome, 23 March 1994

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John Paul II’s Prayer for Radio Maria

Mary, guide us in our major decisions, and give us strength in times of trial so that we may with humble courage follow the hidden ways of Heaven, to be faithful to God and mankind so that we can bring the joyful message of Christ, the Savior, to the minds and hearts of all.

Mary guiding star of evangelization be with us, be with Radio Maria as its guide and its protector.

Amen.

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Appendices

The Pontifical Council for Social Communications “Thank you for inviting the Pontifical Council of Social Communications. The fact that this is an important meeting is also emphasized by your meeting with the Pope.

His words will certainly encourage you and urge you to grow in communion with all those who listen to and live the Word of God and who, like you, want to put themselves at the service of the Gospel in the mass media�.

Message of Msgr. G.A. Scotti, representative of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, at the opening of the IV World Conference of Radio Maria Collevalenza, 11 October 2009

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Pope Benedict XVI

“I welcome the delegates of the Radio Maria Family from the different continents. I encourage you to continue in your important work at the service of spreading the Gospel!”

Welcome message of Benedict XVI on the occasion of the IV Conference World of Radio Maria – Rome, 14 October 2009

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Annexes

Pope Francis “Dear brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, above all the sick, imprisoned, elderly, abandoned, poor, ill-treated and exploited. At so many existential margins, the voice of the Bishop of Rome can be heard through Vatican Radio, the Pope’s radio. With all my heart I wish to be close to them and to embrace them with the love and hope that the risen Christ gives to us.

On this occasion, I especially bless the World Family of Radio Maria’s Mariathon. I encourage all people of goodwill in the 65 countries around the world, throughout the five continents, who are participating in these missionary days”.

Message of Pope Francis on the first annual Mariathon event Rome, 11 May 2013 ☐

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“Moreover, always be aware that you give something great and unique: Christian hope, which is much more than simple spiritual consolation because it is founded on the power of the Resurrection, witnessed with faith and works of charity.

Therefore, let us put Radio Maria under Mary’s protective mantle, in particular, the persons and families of those that work there, your projects for the future, and all your listeners. I bless you all and your work.”

From Pope Francis’ audience with the World Family of Radio Maria Rome, 29 October 2015 ☐

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