"People who were listeners are now supporters." I was querying Deacon Larry Sousa about the recent EWTN pilgrimage he hosted with Father Brashears. "Let me put it this way," he continued, "on this trip we made friends for Oklahoma Catholic Radio. " I recalled the full itinerary that had promoted this trip. Apparently, that itinerary was a mere shadow of the sites and experiences afforded the travellers The half a dozen or do people I spoke to could not stop raving about the pilgrimage. Everyone spoke with awe about the Shrine of the Blessed Sacrament where Mother Angelica is buried."I have never seen anything like it in my life," enthused Mike Murphy, whom I know has seen beautiful churches and cathedrals in other parts of the world.
The tour of EWTN was no perfunctory visit to a television or radio studio. First, there was a very personal Mass concelebrated by 4 priests, including Father Brashears and also Deacon Larry Sousa. EWTN host, Father Joseph Mary gave the group a talk on the Holy Eucharist. However, it was Father Mitch Pacwa, the host for" EWTN Live" that stood out for the Oklahoma guests: "He's larger than life." (Mike Murphy) "His program warm-up was even better than the actual program!" (Deacon Larry Sousa) "He is one character as a priest." (Fred Pope)
Fred also expressed admiration for the tour of Ave Maria Grotto in Cullman Alabama. This 4-acre park displays the work of a Benedictine monk, Brother Joseph Zoettl. Brother Joseph reproduced over a hundred of the most famous religious sites in the world, in miniature,using only modest materials such as concrete and colored glass that were available to him. Because he was a humble monk and did not travel, the sites were recreated from paintings and photographs.
Melani Roewe/Travel Overtures who arranged and oversaw the travels, could not be happier with the outcome. When I talked to her, she was already visualizing 3 or 4 other pilgrimages for OKCR. "Everyone got along. Even the people who did not know each other prior to the trip: when they were paired up, they were all companionable."
Deacon Larry reflected that their journey could be described as "a retreat on wheels." Friendships were cemented in touring memorable sites, eating good meals, and listening to and engaging with inspiring Catholic role models. These Catholic radio friends illustrated how OKCR informs their lives.
You will hear more about the pilgrimage during the November 5-6 Radiothon... interested in doing more than just listening during the radiothon? We have a way you can support OKCR and show your parish pride. How would you like to hear your voice during the radiothon?
We invite you to participate in Station Identification. For $100, we will schedule and record you for broadcast during the radiothon. Sign up today by calling me, Sally Crowe Nash, at 405-441-3798. Leave your name, phone number, and your parish.
I will schedule your recording and call you back. Call today because time is limited! OKCR wants to hear your voice on the radio. "