Ave Maria Hour

The Ave Maria Hour was a beloved old-time radio series that captivated audiences for over three decades. Launched in 1935 by the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement, the show featured dramatizations of the lives of the saints, stories from the Gospel, and inspiring accounts of faith.

Each episode of the Ave Maria Hour transported listeners to a world of spiritual reflection and devotion. The program’s format blended engaging storytelling with a reverent tone, creating an immersive experience for its devoted audience.

From the very first broadcast on April 26, 1935, the show quickly gained popularity, with an estimated one million listeners tuning in each week.

The Ave Maria Hour was not just a radio program; it was a cultural phenomenon that brought the richness of Catholic tradition to the airwaves. The Franciscan Friars of the Atonement, who presented the show, used it as a platform to support the humanitarian work of St. Christopher’s Inn, a shelter for the homeless.

The program’s popularity resulted in large pilgrimages to Graymoor, the Friars’ home, for many years.

The Stars

While the Ave Maria Hour did not feature a regular cast of stars, it was home to a talented ensemble of actors who brought the stories to life.

The program’s scripts were professionally written and performed, captivating listeners with their vivid portrayals of the saints and biblical figures.

The Franciscan Friars of the Atonement, who oversaw the production, ensured that each episode was a polished and reverent presentation of the Catholic faith.

Key Dates

• The Ave Maria Hour first aired on April 26, 1935, on radio station WOR in New York.
• The program continued to captivate audiences for over three decades, finally ending its run in 1969.
• During its long and successful run, the Ave Maria Hour was heard on more than 350 stations, as well as on the Armed Forces Radio Service.
• In 1959, the Ave Maria Hour received the prestigious Golden Bell Award, presented by legendary television host Ed Sullivan.
• This recognition underscored the program’s high production values and its ability to engage and inspire listeners.

Other Information

The Ave Maria Hour was not just a radio program; it was a cultural phenomenon that left a lasting impact on its listeners. The Franciscan Friars of the Atonement, who presented the show, used it as a platform to support the humanitarian work of St. Christopher’s Inn, a shelter for the homeless.

The program’s popularity resulted in large pilgrimages to Graymoor, the Friars’ home, for many years.

In 2008, the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement began the process of digitizing the extensive library of Ave Maria Hour recordings, which included over 2,500 episodes on 12" and 16" vinyl records.

This effort has allowed the Friars to share this treasure trove of old-time radio with a new generation of listeners, who can now access the episodes right here on RUSC.

The Ave Maria Hour remains a beloved and influential part of the history of old-time radio. Its enduring legacy is a testament to the power of storytelling, the richness of Catholic tradition, and the enduring appeal of spiritual reflection and devotion.