Guadalupe Radio Network honors Bishop Olson at inaugural Fishers of Men dinner
Bishop Michael F. Olson admires the stole he was gifted after he was presented the inaugural Fishers of Men award on Oct. 25, 2025 at St. Patrick Cathedral's parish hall. (NTC/Juan Guajardo)
FORT WORTH — On Oct. 25, Bishop Michael Olson was recognized as the first recipient of the “Fishers of Men” award for his outstanding efforts in evangelization at the Fishers of Men benefit dinner hosted by the Guadalupe Radio Network station KCPP 1140 AM in Fort Worth and 101.5 FM in Cleburne.
About 200 attended the inaugural dinner, held at St. Patrick Cathedral. In honor of the award, Bishop Olson was given a custom stole embroidered with images of Our Lady of Guadalupe and roses.
In his introduction, Father Jonathan Wallis, vicar general, noted Bishop Olson “has dedicated his life to the service and love of Jesus Christ, of the Church, and sharing the Gospel, particularly here in the Diocese of Fort Worth.”
In his role as the shepherd of the the diocese, Fr. Wallis continued, Bishop Olson “evangelizes by protecting the poor, the vulnerable, and the forgotten” of the diocese. “He’s bringing others to Christ in the establishment of new parishes through beautiful parish church construction, and our 28 seminarians, and his visits to our Catholic schools, and thousands of miles traveled visiting the 92 parishes of the Diocese of Fort Worth.”
Bishop Olson responded to receiving the award. He said, “I’m very grateful for your graciousness and offering me this honor and award. I know of no greater gift or honor than to be a priest and to receive that call and the grace to persevere in that vocation in my priestly life, which is now over 31 years.”
The bishop acknowledged his role as an evangelist corresponds with Guadalupe Radio Network.
The prelate said, “As we continue to grow and share the Gospel in the Diocese of Fort Worth, and as the ministry of Guadalupe Radio Network does so, especially in the peripheries of our community throughout these 28 counties and beyond, let us keep being mindful that the focus has to be Jesus in the Gospel and the fullness of His Gospel that brings us together as the Church.”
Julian Placino, general manager of GRN Fort Worth, concurred, stating that the radio network’s mission is “to save souls and populate heaven.”
Last year, Guadalupe Radio Network launched KCPP 1140 AM, which expanded Guadalupe Radio Network’s reach within the diocese.
With 48 radio stations and more than 31 million potential listeners, Guadalupe Radio Network is EWTN’s largest radio affiliate.
Dr. David Anders, host of the popular “Called to Communion” radio program on EWTN, was the keynote speaker. Dr. Anders grew up in the Presbyterian Church and attended a Protestant college and seminary. As he researched Reformation history for his doctorate, he became convinced of the truth of the Catholic faith.
Dr. Anders recalled that, as he learned Church teachings, he was a frequent listener and occasional anonymous caller to Catholic radio programs. In 2003, he entered the Church.
Becoming Catholic saved his marriage, asserted Dr. Anders, as it opened his eyes to marriage being his primary vocation instead of his career. After becoming Catholic, he no longer devoted 12 hour a day, seven days each week to his doctoral studies; he cooperated with God’s grace to grow in virtue; and he began to revere his wife.
A date has already been selected for the second “Fishers of Men” dinner in October 2026.