In Articles, News and Culture

Thank You for Making 25 Years of Relevant Radio Possible!

John Hanrettyby John Hanretty

Last Friday, on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, our show hosts, associates, listeners, and supporters gathered in downtown Chicago to celebrate a milestone anniversary of 25 years – rooted in faith, generosity, and a shared desire to bring Christ to the world through the media.

More than a thousand friends filled St. Mary of the Angels for a beautiful Solemn Mass and later gathered for an evening of fellowship and celebration at the Hilton Chicago. Many of you were there. Many more were united with us in spirit from across the country. In every case, this incredible moment in the history of Relevant Radio would not have been possible without you!

For 25 years, you’ve carried this mission with us. Through your prayers, your support, and your trust, Relevant Radio has grown from a single station to a nationwide network of 222 stations – reaching millions through radio, online streaming, and over 3 million downloads of the #1 FREE Catholic app in all 50 states and 171 countries. Together, we’ve grown into the third-largest radio company in the country by unique daytime reach. Praise God!

The evening unfolded with moments that lifted hearts:

  • A reverent celebration of the Eucharist under the soaring arches of St. Mary of the Angels Catholic Church
  • Joyful music, heartfelt testimonies, and stories of conversion and renewal
  • A ballroom filled with clergy, families, longtime supporters, new friends, and partners in our mission
  • A spirited mariachi band that brought laughter and energy to the celebration
The event began with a solemn Mass at St. Mary of the Angels Church in Chicago concelebrated by Most Reverend Thomas J. Paprocki, Bishop of the Diocese of Springfield, Illinois, Most Reverend Bishop David L. Ricken, Bishop of the Diocese of Green Bay, Wisconsin, and numerous invited priests.
Over 1,100 attendees gathered at the Chicago Hilton for the Relevant Radio 25th Anniversary celebration.
Emily Bleed shares emotional comments with Fr. Rocky Hoffman about her daughter Calla's miraculous healing from Leukemia after prayer support from the Relevant Radio program Family Rosary Across America.
Guests enjoyed music and dancing throughout the evening celebration.
Relevant Radio show host Drew Mariani addresses attendees during the 25th Anniversary Gala.
The Relevant Radio 25th Anniversary Gala commemorates the anniversary of the network's receiving their first broadcasting license, on the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, December 12, 2000.
Long-time Relevant Radio show host and Catholic Apologist Patrick Madrid and his wife Nancy with Tom and Ann Vorpahl, two of the network's original founders.
Fr. Ryan Brady, pastor of St. Christina Roman Catholic Church, and chaplain of the Chicago Fire Department, shares how Relevant Radio was instrumental in his priestly vocation.
The evening included a paddle raise that showcased the incredible generosity of Relevant Radio supporters. Even the children were excited to help their parents donate during the proceedings!
Fr. Rocky capped off the evening on the piano with an old-fashioned Christmas carol sing along session.

One of the most moving moments came with the presentation of the Christ Brings Hope Award to Msgr. James Shea, President of the University of Mary, honored for his unwavering witness to truth, charity, and apostolic zeal.

Your support – whether you joined us in the pews, celebrated with us from afar, or have been quietly praying for us for years – is the reason this mission continues to reach souls across the world.

Thank you for being part of this family. Thank you for the prayers, the sacrifices, and the hope you share with us. And thank you for helping ensure that the light of Christ continues to radiate across the airwaves for decades to come.

Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us.
St. Joseph, pray for us.

John Hanretty

John Hanretty

John Hanretty serves as a Digital Media Producer for Relevant Radio®. He is a graduate of the Gupta College of Business at the University of Dallas. Besides being passionate about writing, his hobbies include drawing and digital design. You can read more of his daily articles at relevantradio.com and on the Relevant Radio® app.