Launch of the London Studio!
Written by Radio Maria England on 04/10/2022
Launch of the London Studio!
Appropriately for the Feast of the Archangels there was a great deal of fanfare, as in the spirit of the Archangel Gabriel, the good news was announced that the London studio of Radio Maria England is up and running. Fittingly for a station with a Marian charism the new studio adjoins the Diocesan Shrine of the Rosary, home to a community of Dominican Friars.
A thanksgiving Mass was celebrated by Bishop John Sherrington in the stunning Church, with its fourteen side chapels depicting the mysteries of the Rosary, and High Altar stained glass showing the Coronation of Our Lady. Hearts and minds were further lifted, not this time by a celestial choir of angels, at least not audibly, but by a wonderful young schola directed by Rachel Shipard.
After the glorious liturgy, the throngs moved to St Dominic’s Hall (beneath the new studio) which was packed to the brim, bringing together Catholic leaders, radio speakers and volunteers, parish friends and representatives of London’s diverse Catholic groups and organisations, all united by a vision of bringing more of the Good News to more of the people. Such a diverse group is entirely in keeping with the charism of Radio Maria, which does not belong to any particular order or group, but which exists to provide a microphone to all that is good in the Church so that it can be more widely heard.
But this was not just a party, it was also a working party, and so Bishop John prayed the first decade of the evening’s live rosary on the radio, followed by a number of other guests, after which there were further song and prayer requests from the visitors.
Charles Wilson, President of Radio Maria England, said ‘Our Lady has called us here. We believe that Our Lady has gifted us with Radio Maria, and what better place to be than the Rosary Shrine, in the heart of London?’ Jo Siedlecka, Editor of Independent Catholic News remarked, ‘I’m very excited about Radio Maria. It’s wonderful to have a Catholic radio station here in London and there couldn’t be a better time to start up than in October – one of Our Lady’s months.’ Vittorrio Viccardi, President of the Radio Maria World Family in telling of the millions of listeners to Radio Marias all around the world laid down a gauntlet to all present and spoke of the importance of an English-speaking Catholic radio for the whole world.
Radio Maria is entirely run on the back of donations of listeners and the work of volunteers, many of whom were present and thanked by new Priest Director, Fr Toby Lees OP.
You can listen to Radio Maria England via the website, the Radio Maria Play App, or DAB in the London and Cambridge areas. Alternatively you can just ask Alexa to ‘Play Radio Maria England’!
