Relevant Radio® Celebrates 25 Years of Broadcasting Hope at Commemorative Mass and Gala
Anniversary event reflects on a faith-filled journey and envisions
the future of sharing Christ through media
Relevant Radio, a leading American Catholic talk radio network, marked its 25th anniversary on December 12 – honoring both the feast of its patroness, Our Lady of Guadalupe, and the very same day in 2000 when Relevant Radio received its first broadcast license.
The evening event began with Solemn Mass at the historic St. Mary of the Angels Catholic Church in Chicago, followed by a formal dinner at the Hilton Chicago. The celebration brought together friends, loyal benefactors, and staff from all over the country to give thanks, share memories and uplifting stories, and raise a toast to the next 25 years of broadcasting hope. More than 1100 people attended, and the event raised $3.2 million. The distinguished guest of honor, Msgr. James Shea, President of the University of Mary and priest of the Diocese of Bismarck, ND, was recognized as the 35th recipient of the Relevant Radio Christ Brings Hope Award. The award honors an American Catholic who has worked with extraordinary dedication to bring hope and the good news of Christ to countless souls.
“The journey of Relevant Radio is a beautiful story of faith, perseverance, and the abundant blessings of Our Lord,” said Rev. Francis Joseph Hoffman (Fr. Rocky), Chairman and CEO of Relevant Radio. “Since our first broadcast in 2000, the network has grown in ways we could never have imagined, reaching countless hearts and homes along the way. This anniversary celebration is an opportunity to give thanks to God for all that has been accomplished and to joyfully look forward to the future.”
Relevant Radio hosts – including longtime morning host Patrick Madrid, afternoon host Drew Mariani, and retired priest and host Fr. Richard Simon of the Archdiocese of Chicago – took turns at the mic, expressing gratitude to God, their loyal prayer partners, and their listening family for the journey that brought them to this milestone. Lively entertainment was provided by a local mariachi band, delighting guests and enhancing the evening festivities.
A highlight of the event was the presentation of the Christ Brings Hope Award, an honor bestowed upon individuals who embody the light of Christ through unwavering faith, tireless service, and a steadfast commitment to sharing the Gospel in word and deed. Msgr. James Shea was unanimously selected by the senior management team at Relevant Radio as this year’s recipient for his virtues of charity, generosity, hope, apostolic zeal, and love for the truth.
“The award was established to honor those individuals who radiate the light of Christ in a darkened world – people whose faith is not just professed but lived, whose joy in the Gospel becomes a beacon for others. Over the years, we’ve been blessed to present this award to those whose witness reminds us that the ultimate source of our hope is found in Jesus Christ. Msgr. Shea embodies the very virtues that inspired this award: his tireless service, his intellectual brilliance ordered toward truth, his deep charity, and his unflagging zeal for souls,” said Fr. Rocky. “In an age of confusion, he has offered clarity. In a culture of cynicism, he has modeled joy. And through it all, he’s proclaimed Christ with a heart full of hope. To honor him is to honor the same mission that has sustained Relevant Radio for 25 years of bringing Christ to the world through the media and bringing the world to Christ through truth and love.”
Broadcasting on over 220 stations across the U.S. and streaming globally via its free mobile app, which has been downloaded more than 3 million times in all 50 states and 192 countries, Relevant Radio combines informative, engaging, and interactive programming to bring hope and inspiration, with the potential to reach 300 million souls.
For more information on the Relevant Radio 25th Anniversary Gala, exclusive photos, and a complete press kit, visit https://press.relevantradio.com/releases/anniversary.
