The goal of the program known as the Missionary Church has always been clear: to illuminate the work of faith and service for a broad audience. Since its first airing in October 1982, the show has grown into a resilient feature of public broadcasting, celebrating milestones with the same quiet confidence that has sustained it through decades. This season marks the program turning forty years old, a landmark celebrated with input from its current director, Antonio Montero of Cádiz, who has guided its storytelling through changing times. Elena Sánchez, president of the RTVE Corporation, hailed the program as a significant achievement in home broadcasting and a model of public service that serves a national audience with integrity and purpose. [Citation RTVE]
In a concise thirty-minute segment, the anniversary review looked back at four decades of fieldwork and global travel to sixty-two countries. Elena Sánchez spoke candidly about the program’s evolution, while highlighting Julián del Olmo, who has steered the project for twenty-eight years and remains deeply respected within the professional community. A nod to regional roots came from Alcarreño, recalling a farewell moment when a priest presided over a Lord’s Day service amid lavender fields, an image that resonates with the program’s pastoral sensibilities and its connection to everyday life. [Citation RTVE]
The program traces its origins to a different era when it began as a set piece under the umbrella of Pueblo de Dios. Early on, influential creators such as José Luis Martín Descalzo and Carmen Lázaro set the tone, with Rafael Turia serving as the familiar face of youth-focused reporting on Fridays. Over time, leadership passed to Eduardo T. Gil de Muro, guiding the show as it matured. The path of the program was shaped by Julián del Olmo, whose tireless expeditions and conversations with diverse communities helped define its voice. Those involved emphasize that the generous support from NGOs and unions within the country was crucial. From Manos Unidas to other organizations, funding and in-kind support made it possible to pursue ambitious reporting across borders and cultures. Without this network of cooperation, the volume and depth of the reports would have been unimaginable. [Citation RTVE]
Beyond the logistical achievements, the program stands as a cultural bridge. It brings viewers close to communities that often operate far from the center of national life, offering a lens on faith, service, and everyday acts of compassion. The narrative focus remains on people and their stories, rather than on abstract theory, which helps audiences connect with the material on a personal level. The forty-year arc demonstrates how persistent storytelling can illuminate humanitarian work and religious life in a way that informs, moves, and invites reflection. The production team continually seeks new perspectives, ensuring that the program remains relevant to contemporary audiences while honoring its heritage. [Citation RTVE]
As the anniversary coverage unfolds, it also celebrates the collaborative spirit that drives the program forward. Journalists, producers, and field reporters bring back portraits of resilience from regions across the globe. The insistence on accuracy, empathy, and context guides every report, even as the landscape of international aid and religious programming evolves. The show is not shy about acknowledging its dependence on partnerships, and it remains committed to presenting responsible, well-sourced narratives that respect the communities featured. In this sense, the program serves as a model for public service broadcasting, illustrating how a long-running series can grow while staying true to its mission. [Citation RTVE]
Viewers who have followed the series over the years will recognize the constant thread: a dedication to human dignity and to the quiet, daily acts that illuminate faith in action. The program may have started in a different era, yet its core aim endures—telling stories that educate, inspire, and foster dialogue about faith, service, and the common good. The 40th year stands as a testament to perseverance, community support, and a shared belief in the power of storytelling to change lives. [Citation RTVE]