BOSTON — “Talk in the City,” the new radio ministry of the Saint Anthony Shrine friars, debuted Sept. 14 discussing issues facing contemporary Catholics, especially those in cities in the Northeast.
The weekly half-hour show on Victory Radio, which began on Sept 14, features friars at the shrine, according to Gary Maciag, OFM, moderator of “Talk in the City.” The talk and information show features a discussion of issues facing contemporary Catholics, particularly those in urban areas of the Northeast. The show also features news of general Catholic interest and events at the shrine, as well as an arts commentary and a good Word for the day, according to Gary.
Broadcasts have featured Philip Shea, OFM, David Convertino, OFM, Emeric Meier, OFM, Flavian Walsh, OFM, and Raymond Mann, OFM. Topics have included the Feast of the Exultation of the Cross and its meaning in everyday life, and the friars’ approach to urban ministry.
The Victory Radio Network is working to establish a 24-hour Gospel music, teaching and preaching station. The program broadcasts on WWZN 1510-AM in Boston. It airs Sundays at 8:30 p.m.; Mondays, 6 p.m.; Tuesdays, 7 p.m.; Wednesdays, 7 p.m.; and Thursdays, 6 p.m. It can be heard online at www.1510thezone.com.
“The signal runs from New Hampshire to Newport, R.I., and there have been reports of people picking up broadcasts from as far away as Nova Scotia,” said Gary.
The show was born, according to Gary, because of similar goals between Victory Radio and the friars’ desire to reach out more into the city. “This fits well with the role of the shrine as an urban ministry center,” said Gary. “We see this as an extension of the teaching and preaching missions of the shrine. Living in the heart of the city, we share a lot of the concerns of our community, but we also have the time and space to reflect amid the busy life of our city. We are trying to offer our listeners the benefit of our reflection.”
The format of the show was planned by Gary and Emeric.
Victory Radio has been impressed with “Talk in the City,” said Gary, so much so that it has aired the show in extra time slots.