Friends of Radio Maria Italia celebrated its 14th Gala Dinner with more than 200 supporters, friends and volunteers at Russo’s on the Bay, Howard Beach. The honorees were: Msgr. David Cassato, pastor, St. Athanasius, Bensonhurst; Americo Cortina; Giovanni DiMaggio; Federico Guglielmi; and Gino Dagri. Italian Vice Consul, Maria Caterina Ronchi, and Archbishop Bernardito C. Auza, permanent observer of the Holy See to the U.N., attended the event.

Friends of Radio Maria is part of the World Family of RM, a nonprofit network of Catholic radio stations with affiliates in 65 countries, broadcasting 24/7 in more than 40 languages. Founded in 1987, it promotes the evangelical message of joy and hope according to the teaching of the Catholic Church with a focus on prayer, Mariology, ecumenism, social doctrine of the Church, family, education, bioethics, health, respect for creation and much more.