ANN ARBOR, MI. (Catholic Online) - Ave Maria Radio, the world's largest producer of original English language Catholic radio programming, is celebrating its 15th year of spreading the gospel, despite early challenges. They produce over twenty different titles, including three live programs that air weekdays-Kresta in the Afternoon with Al Kresta, Catholic Connection with Teresa Tomeo, and The Doctor is In with Dr. Ray Guarendi and Coleen Kelly Mast-that are all heard over the EWTN global Catholic radio network's nearly 200 stations, as well as EWTN's Sirius satellite radio channel, streaming audio on the Internet, and iPhone and Android apps. 

It was in 1997, that Ave Maria Radio, 1290 AM, WDEO ("DEO" is Latin for God) in Ann Arbor, MI, went on the airwaves in Southeastern Michigan. At that time, the landscape of Catholic radio was like a barren desert and scarcely existed beyond just one music station and a few hours here and there leased on other stations.

In 1996, Mother Angelica, foundress of EWTN television network, offered free programming to any Catholic radio station. The offer attracted the attention of Tom Monaghan, Domino's Pizza founder and former owner of the Detroit Tigers, who encouraged a missionary spirit in the business world. In 1996, he leased 1290 AM and hired Al Kresta, a recent convert and former Protestant pastor, to manage it. The station prospered and became listener supported within a few years.

Then, during the winter of 2002, it seemed doubtful that Kresta would live to ever witness the 15-year anniversary.  Attacked by flesh-eating bacteria, his life hung in balance for weeks. Kresta said the suffering was offered up for the Ave Maria Radio and he grew closer to God in the process. "Suffering is the Catholic way of life. We understand 'Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before him' as written in Hebrews 12:2," he said. "Suffering shapes us and renders us fit for heaven."

Although Kresta's left leg was amputated, he said he rejoiced that his life was saved. After a six-month recovery, he returned to Ave Maria Radio where he is now President, CEO, and Chairman of the Board for Ave Maria Communications and host of the nationally syndicated program, Kresta in the Afternoon.

Doug Keck, EWTN Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, extended his congratulations for their anniversary. "All of us here at EWTN want to salute the faith-filled professionals of Ave Maria Radio for their 15-year "Fiat" to the work of Catholic media evangelization! Our Lady is surely pleased to lend her name to such a great mission!" 

To celebrate 15 years on the air, Ave Maria Catholic Radio is hosting a concert featuring country music superstar, Collin Raye, and Nashville recording artist along with Franciscan University of Steubenville alumni, Andrea Thomas, at Hill Auditorium on the University of Michigan Campus in Ann Arbor, MI, Saturday, August 25th at 7:30 pm. "We thought that having a concert would be a wonderful way to celebrate with our community the revolution that God has accomplished through Ave Maria and Catholic radio at large," says Mike Jones, Vice President and General Manager of Ave Maria Radio.

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Al Kresta is available for interviews - please contact Nick Thomm (734) 930-3164 or (734) 277-0693; nthomm@avemariaradio.net. For Concert information go to www.Ave15.com. For more of the story go to Catholic Lane Article: http://catholiclane.com/ave-maria-and-al-kresta-celebrate-15-years-of-catholic-radio/