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COLUMNS
Mom’s taxi just got a lot more inspiring thanks to new radio station
The Catholic Sun | Feb. 18, 2010
Scientists — none of them mothers, obviously — say we spend a third of our lives sleeping. Mention that claim to the women I know and you’re likely to be met with hysterical laughter.
Mothers, when we aren’t simultaneously explaining fractions to a 10-year-old, balancing a toddler on our hip and preparing dinner, are often found behind the wheel of a car.
Happily, the countless hours spent in Mom’s taxi can now be an occasion to draw closer to the Lord and learn the truths of the Catholic faith. That’s because Immaculate Heart Radio, found at 1310 on the AM dial, is finally on the air in Phoenix and broadcasting 24/7.
In my 20-plus years driving in the carpool lane, the kids and I have listened to everything from Christian music, the Beatles and political commentary to CDs that rap the multiplication facts.
Lately, the radio has been tuned to Immaculate Heart. It’s a mobile catechism with a captive audience geared to people on the go. “Catholic Answers Live,” a call-in show in which people from all over the world are able to ask tricky questions about the teaching of the Church, has generated more than a few family discussions.
We’ve also enjoyed the dynamic preaching of Fr. John Corapi, SOLT. Once a millionaire real-estate tycoon who drove a Ferrari and owned a beachside mansion, he became homeless after his life was turned upside-down by a cocaine habit. Ordained a Catholic priest in 1991, Fr. Corapi has inspired millions with his powerful testimony and no-holds-barred defense of the faith.
Message of hope
A few weeks ago I happened upon a program in which people can call in and discuss their problems with a Catholic counselor.
A female caller, her voice shaking, explained that after 40 years of marriage, she was divorcing her husband. She had been able to endure his alcoholism, but after recently discovering he was addicted to pornography, she felt she had no other choice but to end the marriage.
“It’s the last thing I want to do,” she told the counselor. He then took the time to discuss her options and various things she could do in the face of such a trial, never once sounding preachy or naïve.
I found myself praying for that woman and realized that countless other listeners were surely doing the same. There’s no doubt in my mind that Immaculate Heart Radio, with its clever blend of prayer, preaching and apologetics, will bring about many conversions and much healing in our land.
That’s sorely needed at a time in which living the Catholic faith in the face of the secular media saturation can be a daunting affair. A recent issue of The Legend, the student newspaper at Mesa Community College, for example, featured a photo and front-page story about Crystal Hayden, a porn star who attends classes at the East Valley school. Known as “Madison Scott” in her films, Hayden boasts she’s slept with more than 1,000 people.
In the meantime, people like the caller to Immaculate Heart Radio are experiencing the disastrous consequences of a multi-billion-dollar industry that is devastating marriages and families. The message of freedom in Christ and the saving power of God, so convincingly presented on Immaculate Heart Radio, is a powerful antidote to the spiritual poison often encountered in our time.
While it’s hard to overlook the influence of a secular media that tends to either dismiss or defame the Catholic faith, we can all be encouraged by the presence of Immaculate Heart Radio here in Phoenix. We should promote it, support it and share its message of hope with others.
During Lent, we’re called to grow closer to the Lord and turn away from sin. Listening to Catholic radio is one way to do that. Taxi-driving moms everywhere — indeed all those who care about the faith and want to build a culture of life — have a wonderful new friend in town.
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