Spirit FM, WBVM, began in 1986 by then Bishop Thomas Larkin, and has touched lives ever since.  

“40 years ago this morning, Bishop Thomas Larkin spoke the first words on the radio station,” said Bishop Gregory Parkes during his homily. “His vision was to start a Catholic radio station that would evangelize and would provide Mass to those who otherwise were unable to attend their local parish.”

The station has been deeply tied to the Diocese of Saint Petersburg in the years that followed. Each bishop has had a presence on air with regular programming.

“I remember when I was working here in Tampa in 1986 before entering seminary, I would listen to WBVM,” said Bishop Parkes. “Little did I know about 40 years later, I would be on Spirit FM for regular conversation.”

Forty years goes beyond just an important milestone. Bishop Parkes recalled 40 being a number of significance in Scripture, calling to mind stories such as the 40 days of rain in the time of Noah, 40 years in the Israeli desert, and Jesus spending 40 days of fasting. These were times of great significance in the mission God called the people to and the same is reflected today.

“Forty represents a time of testing, purification, growth, and preparation for mission. Today we represent 40 years of that invitation,” said Bishop Parkes.

For four decades, Spirit FM has used music, prayer, teaching, news, encouragement, and compassion to live out to mission of sharing the Good News with the world. The station has truly been an instrument of God’s grace and work and has touched the lives of countless listeners over the last 40 years.

“This ministry has become much more than a radio station,” said Bishop Parkes. 

“Many people have found comfort in moments of loneliness, some have rediscovered the Church after being away for years, others have heard the voice of hope while driving to work, sitting in traffic, or struggling through difficult seasons of life.”

He added that evangelization is not one big moment but is a small process with big impacts.

“Spirit FM reminds us that evangelization often happens quietly and consistently. A song can touch a wounded heart, a prayer can calm anxiety, a testimony or witness can awaken faith, a simple message about God’s love can change the direction of someone’s life. We may never know how many lives have been touched with this initiative by God’s grace.”

In a world that is filled with distraction, division, uncertainty, and anxiety, Spirit FM brings light, peace, and a source of hope for so many. The media shared by the station connects people with each other and provides the opportunity to be rooted in Jesus.

“We are all called to proclaim the Good News with whatever tool, whatever fashion we’ve been blessed with,” said John Morris, station manager for Spirit FM. “We give God praise and glory for this radio ministry. The Lord has provided us with the ability to affect more lives than you can imagine.”

Countless individuals throughout the Tampa Bay area and beyond have shared that Spirit FM has brought connection, meaning, and hope to their lives and deepened their faith. From people like Dan who expressed that Spirit FM keeps his family “connected to Christ and each other” to people like Elisabeth who share that the station “lifts her spirit” to people like Paul who finds that Spirit FM makes his family “feel like [they] belong,” and so many more, Spirit FM is making deep impacts.

Both Bishop Parkes and John Morris recognized the people who have made the last 40 years possible, acknowledging that it is through the help of bishops, clergy, staff members, benefactors, and listeners, that the station has been successful and will continue to be able to spread the Gospel for years to come. Many present were brought to tears as Morris read off a list of those who made meaningful contributions to the station’s mission, but who have passed away and are no longer here to witness their impact.

“They don’t lay the foundation, they continue the foundation for what we have been blessed with,” said Morris.

Bishop Parkes expressed his hope and prayer that the good that Spirit FM has done for the past 40 years can continue.

“As we celebrate this 40th, we pray that the Holy Spirit continues to guide and strengthen this ministry. May the Lord continue to use Spirit FM WBVM to proclaim the Good News for many years to come.”

“The challenge for us is where would you like to see Spirit FM 40 years from now?” added Morris. “I’ve been fortunate to be here 39 of 40 years. I can say without hesitation or reservation, my life has changed through this radio ministry. I hope yours has been as well.”

For more information about Spirit FM, click here.