Podcast Summary: The Rosary in a Year (Day 107: Beauty Which Never Fades)
Title: The Rosary in a Year
Host: Ascension
Guest: Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR
Episode: Day 107: Beauty Which Never Fades
Release Date: April 17, 2025
Introduction
In the 107th episode of Ascension’s Rosary in a Year podcast, Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR, delves into the fourth glorious mystery of the Rosary: the Assumption of Mary. This episode, titled "Beauty Which Never Fades," explores the profound theological and spiritual implications of Mary's Assumption, drawing insights from the writings of Venerable Fulton J. Sheen. Fr. Ames guides listeners through prayer and meditation, aiming to deepen their relationship with Jesus and Mary while fostering a lasting habit of prayer.
Bishop Fulton J. Sheen: A Legacy of Faith and Influence
Fr. Ames opens the episode by honoring Venerable Fulton J. Sheen, a prominent Catholic bishop known for his influential radio and television ministries. Sheen’s legacy as a man of prayer and deep devotion is highlighted, emphasizing his impact on modern Catholic spirituality.
- Quote:
“A man of prayer who loved God, loved the church.” — Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [02:08]
Sheen's dedication to daily prayer, particularly his holy hour before the Blessed Sacrament, has inspired generations of Catholics to cultivate a disciplined prayer life.
- Quote:
“In our first episode on which we reflected on discussed the visit of Mary to Elizabeth. We looked at how sometimes prose isn't enough, that poetry is needed, especially when speaking of the Blessed Virgin Mary.” — Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [05:08]
Reflection on the Assumption of Mary
The heart of the episode revolves around Sheen’s reflections on the Assumption of Mary. Fr. Ames reads a poignant excerpt from Sheen's work, capturing the mystical and eternal dimensions of Mary's Assumption.
- Quote:
“Mary is assumed into heaven in the unity of Christ's human nature. Her mystical flight is the event to which our whole generation moves.” — Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [03:27] [03:59]
Sheen poetically describes Mary as the "new garden of paradise" and the "all beautiful one," emphasizing her purity and her pivotal role in salvation history.
- Quote:
“Mary is the new garden of paradise in which grew the lily of divine sinlessness and the red rose of the Church.” — Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [03:26]
Theological Insights: Beauty and Holiness
Fr. Ames transitions into discussing the broader theological themes inspired by the Assumption, particularly the concept of eternal beauty and its connection to holiness.
- Quote:
“The ultimate cause of our beauty and the ultimate cause of the preservation of our beauty and eternal beauty of both body and soul, is holiness.” — Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [09:38]
He contrasts the contemporary obsession with physical beauty and anti-aging with the Christian understanding that true, eternal beauty is rooted in a deep spiritual transformation and union with Christ.
- Quote:
“Everyone is fighting aging. There's a real movement of those who celebrate, even worship, the body beautiful in our age of carnalities... But it's not a fight you're gonna win.” — Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [07:34]
Fr. Ames underscores that Mary's Assumption is not merely about her glorified body but symbolizes the hope of resurrection and eternal life for all believers.
- Quote:
“Mary, the temple of God... a tower of ivory up which climbed divine love to kiss upon the lips of his mother a mystic rose.” — Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [03:27]
Practical Applications: Embracing Eternal Beauty Through Holiness
Building on these reflections, Fr. Ames encourages listeners to seek holiness as the path to true beauty. He draws parallels between Mary’s mystical flight and the Christian call to partake in the resurrection of the body.
- Quote:
“Through holiness, through communion and transformation in Christ, with its ultimate hope placed in heaven.” — Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [10:57]
He challenges listeners to realign their desires for physical beauty with a spiritual pursuit of eternal beauty, mirroring Mary's journey and ultimate assumption into heaven.
Prayer and Conclusion
The episode concludes with a heartfelt prayer, guiding listeners through the Hail Marys and the Glory Be, reinforcing the themes of the Assumption and the pursuit of holiness.
- Final Words:
“Thank you for joining me and praying with me again today. I look forward to continuing this journey with you again tomorrow. Poco. Poco. Friends. God bless.” — Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [14:43]
Fr. Ames leaves listeners with a sense of hope and purpose, urging them to embrace the transformative power of the Rosary and the deep mysteries it unveils.
Key Takeaways:
- Bishop Fulton J. Sheen's Influence: His devotion to daily prayer and media ministry significantly shaped modern Catholic spirituality.
- Assumption of Mary: A profound mystery highlighting Mary's unique role and the hope of resurrection and eternal life for believers.
- Eternal Beauty through Holiness: True beauty transcends physical appearance, rooted in spiritual transformation and union with Christ.
- Practical Spirituality: Encouragement to cultivate a disciplined prayer life and seek holiness as the pathway to eternal beauty.
For further exploration and to access the complete prayer plan, visit Ascension Press.