A question often asked: What started as a dream and became a beacon of faith in Quito? It is Radio Maria. Founded legally in March 1997 Radio Maria received approval. The Subsecretary of the Ministry of Government dictated Resolution 063.
Following its establishment, the founders sought a frequency. They wanted to serve Quito and its surroundings. They sent an official request to CONARTEL in July 1997. Radio Maria was granted the frequency 100.1 MHZ in January 1998.
Gonzalo León gave land for Radio Maria in March 1998. It was located in La Hacienda Mi Cielito. The land would house Radio Maria’s infrastructure. On October 7 1998 Radio Maria inaugurated its studios. Archbishop Bernardino Echeverría Ruiz blessed the studios. Bishop Carlos Altamirano and Father Francisco José Palacios attended. Father Palacios was the first director.
Many civil authorities attended the inauguration. Rosario Utreras represented the Mayor of Quito. José Julio Benítez was present. He was a Minister of the Supreme Court of Justice. Esther Bondanza attended as the Ambassador of Argentina. Patricia Hurtado was the Consul of Argentina. José Córdoba was the President of Andinatel. Luis Espinosa was the Director of Social Communication INFA. Directors and media delegates also attended. Radio Maria board members and volunteers were there too.
Radio Maria began broadcasting 24 hours a day. In June 1999 Radio Maria blessed new facilities. They were at Baquerizo Moreno 281 and Leonidas Plaza. Bishop Julio Terán Dutari led the blessing. Father Leo Maasburg also participated. He represented Radio Maria globally. Father Francisco Palacios and Father Nicolás Dousdebés joined them. Priests, ambassadors, board members, volunteers and listeners shared the celebration.
Today Radio Maria continues its mission. It offers Catholic education and news. It also plays music. Radio Maria broadcasts various shows. These include Angelus and Santa Misa. You can also hear Santo Rosario. Other programs include Encuentro and Musica sacra. La Hora Feliz is also popular. Radio Maria is a vital part of the World Family of Radio Maria. It shares faith and hope in Quito and beyond. So next time you are in the area stop by and experience the presence of Radio Maria.