by Joe Bollig
joe.bollig@theleaven.org
OVERLAND PARK — Devotees of Catholic radio had an opportunity to meet the faces behind the voices at the Catholic Radio Lenten Conference held at Ascension Parish here.
The conference, sponsored by KEXS AM-1090, was held Feb. 26- 27.
In many ways, the conference was like having an entire Lent compressed into two days. On Friday, conference-goers could participate in the Stations of the Cross. On Saturday, they could pray the rosary and worship at a Mass celebrated by Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann.
The conference featured speakers whose voices have become well- known to many listeners of local Catholic radio: Archbishop Naumann, heard on “The Shepherd’s Voice”; Johnette Benkovic, heard on “Women of Grace” and “Abundant Life”; Tim Staples, heard on “The Journey Home” and “Catholic Answers Live”; and Dr. Ray Guarendi, heard on “The Doctor Is In.”
“Our four speakers were very dynamic,” said Grace Legaspi, a member of Curé of Ars Parish in Leawood, who organized the event. “They were fun to listen to, and very knowledgeable about the topics they addressed. We had a lot of positive comments from people who attended conference.”
In his presentation, Archbishop Naumann talked about adult converts to the Catholic faith who were drawn into the church by love for the Eucharist.
By contrast, many who are raised Catholic, he said, too often take this precious gift Jesus gives of himself for granted and receive the Lord with nonchalance.
The archbishop called for Catholics this Lent to renew their love for Jesus present in the Eucharist by worshipping at daily Mass, making a heartfelt thanksgiving after receiving the Blessed Sacrament, and spending time “in prayerful ardor” before the Lord during eucharistic adoration.
After each presentation, conference-goers had opportunities to speak with the four presenters personally and to purchase books and audio CDs.
Listeners in the archdiocese can hear Catholic radio programs primarily on KEXS, but also south of Kansas City over KPIO FM-93.7 near Mound City, and KEXS FM- 106.1 and 106.7 in extreme northeast Kansas.
