The Catholic Rosary Podcast: Tuesday – The Sorrowful Mysteries

Host: Augustine Institute
Date: February 25, 2025
Episode Focus: Guided Prayer of the Sorrowful Mysteries

Overview

This episode serves as a contemplative, community-guided prayer experience, focusing on the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary. Designed for Catholics seeking a structured, peaceful way to pray the Rosary throughout their busy day, this episode gently leads listeners through the prayers, offering moments of reflection centered on Christ’s Passion and the compassionate intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Structure of the Episode

1. Opening Prayers & Profession of Faith (00:28–02:41)
2. The Five Sorrowful Mysteries
   • The Agony in the Garden
   • The Scourging at the Pillar
   • The Crowning with Thorns
   • The Carrying of the Cross
   • The Crucifixion
3. Closing Prayers (20:39–22:42)

Detailed Breakdown & Key Moments

1. Opening Prayers (00:28–02:41)

• Introduction to the Sorrowful Mysteries
  • “The Most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary.” (00:28)
  • The group unites in the Sign of the Cross, Apostles' Creed, and Our Father, grounding the prayer in shared Catholic tradition.
• Recitation of Three Hail Marys and the Glory Be
  • Each prayer is recited with reverence, emphasizing communal participation.

Quote:

“I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord…”
— Lead Prayers Speaker (00:40)

2. The Five Sorrowful Mysteries

Each mystery consists of:

• Announcing the mystery
• Reciting the Our Father
• Saying ten Hail Marys (one per bead), each followed by its invocation
• The Glory Be and the Fatima Prayer

First Sorrowful Mystery: The Agony in the Garden (02:43–06:13)

• Reflects on Jesus’ anguish and submission to the Father's will in Gethsemane.
• Invites prayer for strength in moments of suffering and doubt.

Notable Moment:

“The first sorrowful mystery, the agony in the garden.”
— Lead Prayers Speaker (02:43)

Second Sorrowful Mystery: The Scourging at the Pillar (06:13–09:48)

• Contemplates Jesus’ unjust punishment and physical suffering.
• Encourages reflection on sacrifice, endurance, and forgiveness.

Quote:

“Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”
— Lead Prayers Speaker (06:35)

Third Sorrowful Mystery: The Crowning with Thorns (09:48–13:23)

• Focuses on Jesus being mocked and crowned with thorns.
• Invites empathy for those who suffer humiliation or injustice.

Memorable Refrain:

“Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death.”
— Response Speaker 2 (Repeated throughout, e.g., 10:34, 11:39)

Fourth Sorrowful Mystery: The Carrying of the Cross (13:23–16:58)

• Meditates on Christ’s journey to Calvary, bearing the cross.
• Connects the mystery to carrying personal burdens with patience.

Key Quote:

“May the divine assistance be always with us. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.”
— Lead Prayers Speaker (21:37–21:45)

Fifth Sorrowful Mystery: The Crucifixion (16:58–20:34)

• Reflects on the death of Jesus for the salvation of humankind.
• Encourages deep gratitude for Christ’s love and redemptive sacrifice.

Notable Moment:

“O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell. Lead all souls to heaven, especially those who are in most need of thy mercy.”
— Lead Prayers Speaker (20:27)

3. Closing Prayers & Intercessions (20:39–22:42)

• Hail Holy Queen: A traditional Marian prayer seeking her intercession.
• Final Petition: Prayers for the intentions of the Church, the Holy Father, and for the souls of the faithful departed.
• Doxology & Conclusion: The episode closes with traditional words of blessing and the sign of the cross.

Memorable Closing:

“Let us pray. O God, whose only begotten Son, by his life, death and resurrection, has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life. Grant, we beseech thee, that meditating upon these mysteries of the most holy rosary... we may imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise...”
— Lead Prayers Speaker (21:16)

Notable Quotes (with Timestamps)

• “The Sorrowful Mysteries.” — Response Speaker 1 (00:32)
• “Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.” — Group (e.g., 05:01, many times)
• “May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.” — Lead Prayers Speaker (21:42)
• “O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell.” — Lead Prayers Speaker (06:06, 09:41, 13:16, 16:51, 20:27)

Episode Tone and Language

• Gentle, reverent, and communal — The speakers maintain a slow, soothing, and prayerful cadence.
• Traditional Catholic — The language is classic and unchanged, honoring centuries-old formulations.
• Inclusive and inviting — All are welcomed into the prayer, unified across distance by shared recitation.

Summary

This episode guides listeners through the Sorrowful Mysteries in a calm, meditative manner, offering a sanctuary of prayer and reflection. Each segment is structured to facilitate communal prayer, regardless of where the listener joins from. With its focus on Christ's suffering and sacrificial love, this episode brings comfort, connection, and spiritual depth—making the Rosary accessible and resonant in everyday life.

Whether at home or on the go, listeners can enter into the enduring tradition of the Rosary, drawing strength, peace, and perspective from these sacred mysteries.