After an initial experience on the COPE network in Ávila, Fr. Arturo Díaz, LC, returns to the airwaves with a new program titled “La Espadaña”. The broadcast airs every Friday, from 11:00 to 11:30 a.m., on Radio María. As chaplain of the Monastery of the Incarnation and director of the radio program, he brings listeners closer to the world of contemplative life and the faith experience that takes place around this emblematic monastery, where Saint Teresa experienced divine graces that were unique and special, and which thousands of people visit each year.
Fr. Arturo explains to LomásRC that the espadaña, which is the bell tower of the Monastery of the Incarnation, witnesses all this life happening around it: the coming and going of pilgrims, the life of the cloister, the presence of Saint Teresa and S. John of the Cross, youth groups… and with this foundation “there are interviews, protagonists, news, music, and comments always related to Saint Teresa.”
Father, why a radio program from a cloistered monastery?
There are many things happening around the monastery. Many people pass through it. Many come seeking God. Many long for silence and prayer. Many blessings flow from it.
The espadaña, attached to the front of the monastery building, is an exceptional witness to all this coming and going. From its silent and observant height, it sees and witnesses everything. From this privileged height and view, the espadaña aims to become, through this radio program, an antenna that transmits everything that happens around it.
So, what topics do you cover in your program?
It’s hard to believe everything that happens around this monastery, and a proof of this is that since the program started in September, we have addressed a different topic each week. For example, the latest programs have covered the 500 years of the monastery’s existence, the experience of Holy Week, the situation of Christians in the Middle East, Saint Teresa as a writer, the joy of being a nun…
Based on the theme, there are interviews, protagonists, news, music, and comments. Additionally, the theme is logically linked to the Monastery of the Incarnation, whether because of pilgrims, because the news takes place here, or because of the relationship with Saint Teresa; we never stray from that connection.
Saint Teresa on the airwaves… Sounds good? It’s a program to pray or to learn more about the saint
Without a doubt. “By their fruits you will know them,” says the Gospel, and the program shows us those fruits of Saint Teresa’s life. Moreover, the section of texts and comments from Saint Teresa’s works makes you feel and resonate with the Saint.
Father, but you must already have quite a bit of work as chaplain of La Encarnación, leading youth groups, attending to pilgrims… do you have any help?
Initially, it took me time to set up the programs and send them to Radio María, since it’s worth noting that the station does not have a headquarters in Ávila, so I had to set up the necessary equipment at the chaplain’s house and take a course offered by the station. Now, it’s gradually becoming easier, and I do everything myself: I conceive each program, conduct the interviews, select the music, the editorial, the comments…
For the voice of Saint Teresa, I think it’s more suitable to have a female voice, so María Ángeles Álvarez helps me; she is very capable and an enthusiast of Saint Teresa; she chooses the texts, reads them, and makes the comments.
And what do the listeners say?
They are delighted. Some have even come to Ávila to the Monastery of the Incarnation to see firsthand what we talk about, and many request prayers or something for the Carmelites.
Speaking of listeners, what profile do they have?
Based on the calls and emails received, all kinds of people listen. It’s very significant that, according to audience statistics, the United States is one of the main listeners.
Father, I think the time isn’t very good, Fridays from 11 to 11:30 a.m.… is there a way to listen to it later?
No time is perfect, but that schedule has a good audience. Those who cannot listen at that time can always find the program on the Radio María website’s Postcat. There’s also the Ivoox platform, where you can find the programs we made on COPE Ávila, called “The Wandering Saint,” as well as those of La Espadaña.
Father, you already have previous experience with this COPE program. What was that program about?
The program “The Wandering Saint” was created on the occasion of the 500th anniversary of Saint Teresa’s birth, aiming to dedicate time and focus on Saint Teresa’s figure through this radio channel.
The title of the program, “The Wandering Saint,” was rooted in the description by the nuncio of that time, Felipe Sega, who in 1577 described the saint as “an restless and wandering woman.”
Under the term “wandering,” we wanted to show how Saint Teresa of Jesus has been a universal woman who crossed borders and eras and reached many people from diverse backgrounds, cultures, races, languages, and ways of life. Through this program, we brought to the radio microphones all these kinds of people who shared their experiences, their lives, and testimonies.
(Source: Lo+RC)
