Catholic radio celebrates 25 years of broadcast

By Myrna Bermudo

Caceres Archbishop Rolando Octavus J. Tria Tirona, O.C.D.,D.D., presided over the Eucharistic Celebration on the 25th anniversary of Radio Caritas Mariae (RCM), DWRV 98.3 FM held at the Mary Coredemptrix Church on January 20, 2021. The Mass had the theme “25 years of Spreading God’s Love-Gifted to Give.”

Caceres Archbishop Rolando J. Tria Tirona, OCD, DD, connects with the listeners in one of the episodes of CaSarig Kadamay sa Covid-19, a special program in time of pandemic at Radio Caritas Mariae (RCM) DWRV 98.3 FM. (Screenshot of RCM CaSarig live stream)

Owned and managed by the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate, Radio Caritas Mariae (RCM) DWRV 98.3 FM, Ang Radyo ng Simbahan, is the only non-commercial and non-profit Catholic Marian Radio Station in the Bicol Region. The broadcast studio is located at the back of Mary Coredemptrix Church, Km 4 Barangay San Felipe, Naga City, Camarines Sur. Inaugurated on January 20, 1996 by then Leonardo Z. Legaspi, O.P.,D.D., it operates on a power of 5000 watts. Although its primary area of coverage is the province of Camarines Sur, its signal reach as far as Guinobatan, Albay and Tagkawayan, Quezon.

Serving the Archdiocese of Caceres and her suffragan dioceses for 25 years, DWRV FM aims to propagate religious, moral and human values through media evangelization. The Franciscan Friars themselves oversee the maintenance of the high quality apparatus and ensure the editorial direction and conduct of the programs.

Fr. Iohannes Jeremy Ma. Salise, FFI, station manager of Radio Caritas Mariae DWRV FM, receives a plaque of gratitude from Caceres Archbishop Rolando J. Tria Tirona, O.C.D, D.D. It was awarded to the community of Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate in recognition of their contribution to evangelization efforts using the airwaves for 25 years. Fr. Louie Occiano, Director of the Caceres Commission on Communications was present during the said event on January 20, 2021. (screen shot from live stream of thanksgiving mass on FB of Archdiocese of Caceres)

To spread the Word of God, DWRV FM airs daily morning prayers, the holy mass, recitation of the holy rosary, benediction, reflections and devotion to St. Joseph. Its programs seek to reach especially to those who are sick and those who live in remote areas who could not be reached by the local clergy.

As Radio ng Simbahan, DWRV FM provides holistic eavangelization and catechetical formation through the air waves. It airs CaSarig program (featuring services of the various ministries of the Archdiocese of Caceres), Caritas sa Veritas, Veritas Balita, Champions of Faith, Mga Awit Ng Buhay, Buhay Pamilya, Bukid ng Pag-asa, Millennial World, Caritas Bareta, Music and Poetry, Katotohanan, Daan at Buhay, Kiddie Cool, Campus Tour, Catholic Bible School on the Air and a variety of musical programs that aim to inspire and evoke faith.

“Radio Caritas Mariae DWRV 98.3 FM “The Mother’s Touch” is a media apostolate of the Institute of the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate whose mission is to spread love and devotion to our Lord Jesus through the Blessed Mother. The institute is inspired by St. Maximilian Mary Kolbe, a Franciscan martyr, who said: “the surest, easiest, and most beautiful way to Jesus is the Immaculate”. It is for this noble cause that the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate is utilizing all possible means of communication to propagate Marian devotion,” says Fray Francisco Ma. Olofernes,FFI, RCM operations and technical director.

In celebration of the station’s silver anniversary, Triduum Masses were offered and celebrated. On January 17, 2021, first day of Triduum mass was celebrated with Fr. Austin John Ortinero with the theme “25 years of Faith and Trust in Divine Providence.” Fr. Don Federico, parish priest of Holy Rosary Parish led the 2nd day of the Triduum mass with the theme, “25 Years of Joyful Service.” Libmanan Bishop Jose Rojas,Jr., D.D., presided on the 3rd Day of the Triduum mass with the theme “25 years of Service to the Local Church.”

The management team of Radio Caritas Mariae is composed of Fr. Iohannes Jeremy Ma. Salise, FFI, station manager; Fray Francisco Ma. Olofernes,FFI, operations and technical director; Sr. Judy Zamar, FSP, programming director; Remedios Tabora, administrative director and Kimberly Cepriaso, the promotions director.

Group photo of the management, staff, collaborators and volunteers of Radio Caritas Mariae DWRV 98.3FM on the occasion of their general assembly in November 9, 2019. These collaborators are hosts of the various radio programs while some of the youth volunteers assist in social media platforms and technical department. Radio Caritas Mariae is owned and managed by the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate (FFI). / mb (photo credit: Yvanna Paula Saavedra)