Our Lady of Guadalupe holds a special place in the heart of many American Catholics. She is also a patroness at Relevant Radio®, and plays an important role in the organization’s nearly twenty-year history.
“On the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, December 12, 2000, we received our first license from the Federal Communications Commission in Washington D.C. So that’s really kind of our foundational date,” explained Rev. Francis Hoffman, “Fr. Rocky”, Executive Director and CEO at Relevant Radio.
Since that first station went on air in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the network has grown to reach 220 million souls across the country—from Los Angeles to Maine, Washington to Florida, and Chicago to Dallas.
In observance of that first day nineteen years ago, all Relevant Radio board members, executives, and show hosts renew the Annual Profession of Faith and Oath of Fidelity to be faithful to Christ, His Catholic Church, and her teachings.
Relevant Radio was at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Des Plaines, Illinois today for the feast day. John Morales, host of Relevant Radio En Vivo Con John Morales, broadcast his show live from the shrine, where hundreds of thousands have gathered to honor Our Lady.
“It’s the largest gathering of Catholics in the United States—larger than Los Angeles, San Antonio, and second to only Mexico City where millions come every year to honor Our Lady of Guadalupe at the Basilica of Guadalupe in the Mexican Capitol. Here in Chicago, pilgrims came from all over the Midwest to be here, from as far away places as Alabama, Texas, California and New York,” said Morales.
The pilgrims are not all Hispanic, but Mexican Catholics have a special reason for visiting, explained Morales. “They come to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe to fulfill their mandas, or promises to Our Lady.” Some faithful walk up to twenty miles to the shrine to honor Our Lady of Guadalupe. Masses are celebrated every two hours there for the December 12 feast day.
Tune in to Morning Air® weekdays at 6-9am ET / 3-6am PT only on Relevant Radio®.
