Radio Maria England

In this engaging discussion, Sarah de Nordwall, a poetry expert known for her ability to simplify complex ideas, encourages listeners to embrace creativity. She explores the power of poetry as 'speech raised to the level of song' and highlights the importance of expressing beauty through simple language. Sarah motivates everyone to write their own verses, even if melodies aren’t their forte. With inspiring themes and writing prompts, she invites listeners to find poetry in the mundane and embrace the fragmented beauty of life.

Sarah de Nordwall, an advocate for creativity through reflection and writing, shares insights on the power of poetry and inspiration. She emphasizes the struggle to find time for reflection and writing while celebrating its rewards. Sarah reveals how others' works can ignite our creativity, introducing a writing prompt to transform inspiring lines into original pieces. Delving into themes of beauty in stillness and faith, she invites listeners to explore their artistry in connection with broader spiritual experiences.

Poems about the Incarnation have been sent in from eager bards and Sarah de Nordwall presents them here with Advent joy on this episode of The Bardcast. We hear also a little more about the history of the Irish Bards, what they did, why they were so powerful and, interestingly, where they went wrong. Sarah then shares with us a poem called ‘Here We Are Again,’ taking us to the edge of her father’s grave while looking back lovingly on the life he lived. As always she encourages us to write something of our own, this time using that title as our prompt. This is the 6th episode of what was planned initially as a 6-part series of weekly poetry lessons on Radio Maria… however it seems Sarah (and other eager bards listening in) will be saying ‘Here we are again’ in the weeks to come. Listen in for next week’s Christmas episode, and if this is your first time hearing about this wonderful series, let your Bardic moments begin. To contact Sarah with your poetry and other creations please email sarah@sarahdenordwall.com. THE BARDCAST airs live and can be listened to on www.RadioMariaEngland.uk or digital radio in London, Bristol, South Birmingham and Cambridge at 3:15pm after the Divine Mercy Chaplet on Sundays and during your lunch hour at 1:30pm on Tuesdays. Each week Sarah de Nordwall reflects on poems that have been sent in, shares a poem of her own, leaves us with a theme and a writing prompt and sends us off to write something ourselves.  If you enjoyed this programme, please consider making a once off or monthly donation to Radio Maria England by visiting www.RadioMariaEngland.uk or calling 0300 302 1251 during office hours. It is only through the ongoing support of our listeners that we continue to be a Christian voice by your side.

Fr Toby on the difficulties of who and how to trust. WORD FOR TODAY is broadcast live on Radio Maria on weekdays at 1:15pm and is rebroadcast at 12:15am and 8:15am the following day. In it our Priest Director Fr Toby offers a reflection, usually drawing from the Mass readings of the day.  If you enjoyed this programme, please consider making a once off or monthly donation to Radio Maria England by visiting www.RadioMariaEngland.uk or calling 0300 302 1251 during office hours. It is only through the ongoing support of our listeners that we continue to be a Christian voice by your side.

CULTURE TUESDAY - The Shift

In this episode, Ciro Candia continues the thought-provoking series, "Who do we think WE are?" He discusses how being children of God shapes our relationships, emphasising the importance of prayer in family life, especially during the busy Advent season.

Why have certain psalms been removed from the breviary? Fr Toby and Tim answer this question and others on this episode of Questions of Faith.

Radio Maria England was delighted to be asked to broadcast this very special service put on by the school of Rye St Antony in Oxford on 10th of December 2023. The girls put together a stellar programme of Christmas Carols and Scripture Readings. We hope you enjoy it. Radio Maria England is 24 hour Catholic radio station which broadcasts on Digital Radio in selected regions of the UK and online (using the Radio Maria Play app or the webpage) accessible anywhere in the world. If you enjoyed this programme, please consider making a once off or monthly donation to Radio Maria England by visiting www.RadioMariaEngland.uk or calling 0300 302 1251 during office hours. It is only through the ongoing support of our listeners that we continue to be a Christian voice by your side.

Fr Toby on the agony and the ecstasy of union with Christ and His Cross.

London based rough-sleeper and film-maker David Fussell, with London band Ooberfuse, have joined forces with rap royalty’s Snoop Dogg to challenge hidden prejudices around homelessness. These prejudices recently erupted in UK when former Home Secretary, Suella Braverman promised to crackdown on tents and said that rough sleeping in a tent is a ‘life-style choice’. Listen to this fascinating story told by David himself along with Fr Dominic Robinson of The Church of the Immaculate Conception Farmstreet in conversation with Fr Toby, priest director of Radio Maria. In David's own words: ‘I lived in a tent for 4 out of the 10 years that I lived on the streets. I started using a tent after someone threw a glass bottle that smashed in my face and I was lucky only to have a small cut on my forehead. A tent will keep you out of the wind and rain/snow and greatly increases your chances of survival on winter nights.’