Day 147: Fullness of Victory

Summary

Summary of "The Rosary in a Year" Podcast Episode: Day 147 – Fullness of Victory

Released on May 27, 2025 by Ascension

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Introduction

In Day 147: Fullness of Victory of Ascension’s The Rosary in a Year podcast, Fathers Mike Schmitz and Josh Johnson delve into the profound Marian mysteries of the Rosary, focusing specifically on the Assumption of Mary. This episode serves as a continuation of the podcast's mission to guide listeners through a transformative journey of prayer and meditation, fostering a deeper relationship with Jesus and Mary.

Artistic Reflection: The Immaculate Conception Fresco

The episode begins with an exploration of a significant piece of sacred art—the fresco of the Immaculate Conception located in the Church of Santa Maria del Loretto in Rome. Fathers Schmitz and Johnson introduce listeners to the artists behind this masterpiece:

"Our artists are Giuseppe and Andrea Orazi, who are Italian Baroque painters active in Rome..." (01:04)

The fresco, created in 1706, is a stunning representation of Mary adorned in red and blue garments, encircled by a halo of stars beneath a gilded Baroque ceiling. The artwork is rich with Baroque elements, featuring dynamic compositions, religious themes, and allegorical figures. Angels of various kinds populate the celestial scene, some resembling strong men and others like cherubs, all celebrating Mary's purity and divine grace.

"Mary effortlessly floats or rises towards God, while the Father peers down from the highest heavens with the Dove of the Holy Spirit soaring towards her." (02:52)

The imagery culminates with a poignant symbol: a cherub gently twisting a thin lance towards a dragon at Mary's feet, representing the triumph of Mary over evil.

Theological Insights: Immaculate Conception and Assumption

Fathers Schmitz and Johnson transition into a theological discussion, highlighting the interconnectedness of Mary's Immaculate Conception and her Assumption. They reference Munificensimus Deus, the defining document of Mary's Assumption penned by Pope Pius XII.

"Mary, by an entirely unique privilege, completely overcomes sin by her Immaculate Conception..." (05:13)

The conversation emphasizes that while Christ's victory over sin and death is universal, Mary was granted a unique grace that exempted her from the corruption of the grave, allowing her body to be assumed into heaven—a privilege not extended to any other soul.

"Mary's Assumption soul embodied into heaven, without enduring corruption, is the fruit of the unique privilege of her Immaculate Conception." (06:03)

Mary’s Role and Victory

The fathers underscore Mary's childlike innocence and complete trust in God as central to her role as the Assumption. They draw parallels between her trust and the virtues Jesus praised, portraying Mary as the epitome of surrender and obedience.

"It's this childlike power that Jesus talks about in the Gospels—total and complete trust, total and complete surrender..." (08:26)

Mary's littleness and humility are presented not as signs of weakness but as sources of her unparalleled strength and victory over Satan.

"Mary remained little, allowing God to be God, while remaining perfectly confident in his protection and his providence." (09:12)

Connecting Art and Prayer

Through the reflection on the Orazi brothers' fresco, the fathers guide listeners to a deeper meditation on Mary’s Assumption, encouraging them to see beyond the visual beauty to the theological truths it represents.

"As we pray today, let us look at that little cherub slaying the dragon. And let us look at Mary, the lowly handmaiden of the Lord..." (09:37)

This connection between art and prayer serves to enhance the meditative experience of the Rosary, allowing believers to engage more fully with the mysteries they contemplate.

Conclusion and Invitation to Prayer

Fathers Schmitz and Johnson conclude the discussion by inviting listeners to emulate Mary’s virtues in their own spiritual journeys. They emphasize the importance of childlike trust and complete surrender to God, encouraging believers to seek Mary's intercession and strive toward the same eternal beatitude she enjoys.

"Let us celebrate her share in victory. Let us rejoice in her Assumption. And through the grace of the Holy Spirit, let us seek to be where she is." (09:42)

The episode transitions seamlessly into a session of praying the Rosary, allowing listeners to internalize the day's reflections through prayer.

Prayer: The Rosary

The episode culminates with the recitation of the Rosary, guiding listeners through the sequence of prayers that encompass the Apostles' Creed, the Our Father, the Hail Mary, and the Glory Be, thereby completing the meditation on the Assumption and Immaculate Conception.

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Key Takeaways:

• Interconnection of Mysteries: Understanding the relationship between the Immaculate Conception and the Assumption enriches the meditation on Mary's role in salvation history.

• Role of Sacred Art: Artistic representations, such as the Orazi brothers' fresco, serve as powerful tools for deepening one's prayer life and theological understanding.

• Virtues of Mary: Emulating Mary's childlike trust and complete surrender to God can lead to a more profound and victorious spiritual life.

• Structured Prayer: Regular engagement with the Rosary, complemented by reflections on sacred art and scripture, can transform one's prayer habits and spiritual relationship.

By weaving together art, theology, and prayer, Day 147: Fullness of Victory offers a comprehensive guide for listeners seeking to deepen their Marian devotion and experience the transformative grace the Rosary brings.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• "Mary shines in red and blue garments, encircled in a halo of stars." (02:16)

• "The goal here of the podcast and the goal of the art section is to grow in our ability to pray with the various mysteries." (03:46)

• "Mary's victory, Mary's power—it's this childlike power that Jesus talks about in the Gospels." (08:26)

• "Mary is special. Uniquely blessed and particularly privileged, but not in a way that should cause jealousy from us, but rejoicing." (06:45)

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For the complete prayer plan, visit Ascension Press – Rosary in a Year.

Transcript

[Unknown Speaker]

Foreign.

[Father Mike Schmitz]

Mark Mary with Franciscan Friars of.

[Father Josh Johnson]

Renewal and this is the Rosary in.

[Father Mike Schmitz]

The Year podcast, where through prayer and meditation, the Rosary brings us deeper into relationship with Jesus and Mary and becomes a source of grace for the whole world. The Rosary in a Year is brought to you by Ascension.

[Unknown Speaker]

This is day 1 47.

[Father Mike Schmitz]

To download the prayer plan for Rosary in a year, visit ascensionpress.com rosary in a year or text RIY to 33777. You'll get an outline of how we're going to pray each month and it's.

[Father Josh Johnson]

A great way to track your progress.

[Father Mike Schmitz]

The best place to listen to the podcast is in the Ascension app. There are special features built just for this podcast and also recordings of the.

[Father Josh Johnson]

Full Rosary with myself and other friars.

[Father Mike Schmitz]

I encourage you to pick up a.

[Father Josh Johnson]

Copy of the Rosary in the Year.

[Father Mike Schmitz]

Prayer Guide, a book published by Ascension that was designed to complement this podcast. You'll find all the daily readings from Scripture, saint reflections and beautiful images of.

[Father Josh Johnson]

The sacred art we'll be reflecting on today. We will be meditating upon and praying with the fourth glorious mystery, the Assumption.

[Father Mike Schmitz]

With help from the painting actually of the Immaculate Conception, which is found in the Church of Santa Maria del Lorto in Rome. A brief introduction to our artists and the piece of artwork here so our artists are Giuseppe and Andrea Orazi, who are Italian Baroque painters active in Rome.

[Father Josh Johnson]

In the late 17th and 18th centuries. They were brothers who often collaborated on.

[Father Mike Schmitz]

Fresco projects in Roman churches, and their.

[Father Josh Johnson]

Frescoes are characterized by dynamic compositions and.

[Father Mike Schmitz]

Baroque elements, often featuring religious themes and allegorical figures. This particular painting that we're looking at.

[Father Josh Johnson]

Today of the Immaculate Conception was done.

[Father Mike Schmitz]

In the year 1706 and it's a fresco.

[Father Josh Johnson]

This fresco is part of the church's.

[Father Mike Schmitz]

Extensive Baroque decoration program, which includes various artworks and architectural elements created by multiple artists in the early 18th century. In this majestic depiction of the Immaculate Conception.

[Father Josh Johnson]

Mary shines in red and blue.

[Father Mike Schmitz]

Garments, encircled in a halo of stars.

[Father Josh Johnson]

High above her head in a gilded.

[Father Mike Schmitz]

Baroque ceiling painting in a church dedicated to her honor.

[Father Josh Johnson]

Angels of all kinds, some winged resembling strong men, others, like cherubs, decorate the bright and clouded skies of heaven. They embrace, they play, stringed instruments, point and joyfully observe. Mary effortlessly floats or rises towards God.

[Father Mike Schmitz]

The Father who peers down from the.

[Father Josh Johnson]

Highest heavens, arms extended, with the dove.

[Father Mike Schmitz]

Of the Holy Spirit soaring towards her.

[Father Josh Johnson]

Below Mary's foot is the crescent move above earth's sphere.

[Father Mike Schmitz]

Where green dragon crawls.

[Father Josh Johnson]

One of the cherubs at Mary's feet gently twists a thin lance towards the open jaws of the Beast.

[Father Mike Schmitz]

So, you know, for those of you who have picked up a copy of.

[Father Josh Johnson]

The Rosary in a Year Prayer guide.

[Father Mike Schmitz]

Today, your painting is actually entitled the Immaculate Conception. And we did catch this a while ago. We had a little team meeting about the possibility of changing the painting, but I actually asked to keep it, and here's why.

[Father Josh Johnson]

The goal here of the podcast and.

[Father Mike Schmitz]

The goal of the art section, right.

[Father Josh Johnson]

Is to grow in our ability to pray with the various mysteries. And one helpful way to do this is to come at the mysteries from different angles or different emphases, right?

[Father Mike Schmitz]

Like praying with Jesus Passion, we can.

[Father Josh Johnson]

Focus on Jesus experience, maybe his physical.

[Father Mike Schmitz]

Pain, maybe the sorrow, his internal sorrow.

[Father Josh Johnson]

Maybe his love, maybe his view, his experience of Mary during all this.

[Father Mike Schmitz]

Or we can pray through Jesus Passion.

[Father Josh Johnson]

From Mary's perspective or as we've mentioned, that of the other soldiers.

[Father Mike Schmitz]

And so like, similarly, I think it's actually fitting and helpful and not synthetic, actually organic to prayerfully connect Mary's Assumption to Mary's Immaculate Conception as they are indeed intimately united. And plus, we don't actually have another place where we've spent time with Mary's Immaculate Conception. In Munificensimus Deus, which is the defining document of Mary's Assumption, Pope Pius xii, he wrote this.

[Father Josh Johnson]

This is paragraph four and five.

[Father Mike Schmitz]

That privilege referring to her Assumption has shown forth a new radiance since our predecessor of immortal memory, Pius ix, solemnly proclaimed the dogma of the Loving Mother.

[Father Josh Johnson]

Of God's Immaculate Conception.

[Father Mike Schmitz]

These two privileges, the Immaculate Conception, the Assumption, these two privileges are most closely.

[Father Josh Johnson]

Bound to one another. Christ overcame sin and death by his own death. And one who through baptism has been born again in a supernatural way, has.

[Father Mike Schmitz]

Conquered sin and death through the same Christ. Yet, according to the general rule, God.

[Father Josh Johnson]

Does not will to grant the just the full effect of the victory over death until the end of time has come. And so it is that the bodies of even the just are corrupted after.

[Father Mike Schmitz]

Death, and only on the last day.

[Father Josh Johnson]

Will they be joined, each to its own glorious Soul. This paragraph 5. Now God has willed that the Blessed Virgin Mary should be exempted from this general rule.

[Father Mike Schmitz]

She, by an entirely unique privilege, completely.

[Father Josh Johnson]

Overcame sin by her Immaculate Conception.

[Father Mike Schmitz]

And as a result, she was not subject to the law of remaining in.

[Father Josh Johnson]

The corruption of the grave.

[Father Mike Schmitz]

And she did not have to wait.

[Father Josh Johnson]

Until the end of time for the redemption of her body.

[Father Mike Schmitz]

Like, in other words, Mary's Assumption soul embodied into heaven, like, without having to wait until the.

[Father Josh Johnson]

End of time for the redemption of.

[Father Mike Schmitz]

Her body without it enduring corruption. It's the fruit of the unique privilege of her Immaculate Conception. And what I'm about to say, I mean in the deepest, most profound way possible. Mary is special.

[Father Josh Johnson]

Uniquely blessed and particularly.

[Father Mike Schmitz]

Privileged, but not in a way that.

[Father Josh Johnson]

Should cause, like, some sort of jealousy.

[Father Mike Schmitz]

From us, but rejoicing.

[Father Josh Johnson]

Because, like, the fullness of grace overflows from her motherly.

[Father Mike Schmitz]

Heart to fill each of us with.

[Father Josh Johnson]

Hope, with confidence and joy as we.

[Father Mike Schmitz]

Here already rejoice in her beauty as.

[Father Josh Johnson]

We confidently journey once day towards joining.

[Father Mike Schmitz]

Her in eternal beatitude.

[Father Josh Johnson]

Now, if you'll allow me, I'd like to invite you to pray with one key image from this painting of the Immaculate Conception as it pertains to Mary's Assumption. In Mary's Assumption, she shares in the.

[Father Mike Schmitz]

Fullness of Christ's victory, which in a.

[Father Josh Johnson]

Unique way, she entered into already at.

[Father Mike Schmitz]

The moment of her conception, free of.

[Father Josh Johnson]

Sin, her Immaculate Conception.

[Father Mike Schmitz]

And what I want to point out is notice this innocent, small cherub, this angel that's piercing the dragon at the.

[Father Josh Johnson]

Feet of Mary, this child, like it slays the dragon without great effort or strength, with ease, we could say gently.

[Father Mike Schmitz]

And this draws out for me like a reminder of how Mary crushes the.

[Father Josh Johnson]

Head of the dragon with Jesus.

[Father Mike Schmitz]

Mary's victory, Mary's power.

[Father Josh Johnson]

It's this childlike power that Jesus talks about in the Gospels. Total and complete trust, total and complete.

[Father Mike Schmitz]

Surrender, total and complete docility, totally and.

[Father Josh Johnson]

Completely allowing the Father to lead her, to care for her, to protect her. It's the perfection of being a daughter of God. She remained little. She remained the lowly handmaid of the Lord. And God used her littleness to slay.

[Father Mike Schmitz]

The dragon, to conquer Satan.

[Father Josh Johnson]

Right from the moment of conception, the.

[Father Mike Schmitz]

Father cared for her in a particular.

[Father Josh Johnson]

Way, protecting her from original sin and having her be the Immaculate Conception. Throughout her life, Mary remained little, allowing.

[Father Mike Schmitz]

God to be God, while remaining perfectly.

[Father Josh Johnson]

Confident in his protection and his providence. And in her Assumption. The Father raised up his little daughter.

[Father Mike Schmitz]

Assumed her to heaven to share in.

[Father Josh Johnson]

Jesus victory over sin, corruption, the grave for all eternity. As we pray today, let us look.

[Father Mike Schmitz]

At that little cherub slaying the dragon. And let us look at Mary, the.

[Father Josh Johnson]

Lowly handmaiden of the Lord. Let us celebrate her beauty. Let us celebrate her share in victory. Let us rejoice in her assumption. And through the grace of the Holy Spirit, let us seek to be where she is.

[Father Mike Schmitz]

Today.

[Unknown Speaker]

We ask for the grace to walk.

The same road as Mary in the.

[Father Josh Johnson]

Same way, to the same end, with.

[Father Mike Schmitz]

Childlike innocence and confidence.

[Father Josh Johnson]

And now with Mary, let us Pray.

[Unknown Speaker]

In the name of the Father and.

Of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

[Father Josh Johnson]

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done.

[Unknown Speaker]

On earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

[Father Josh Johnson]

And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

[Unknown Speaker]

Amen.

Hail Mary, full of grace.

The Lord is with the blessed art.

Thou among women, and blessed is the.

Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.

Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

Hail Mary, full of grace.

The Lord is with the blessed art.

Thou among women and blessed is the.

Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.

Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

Hail Mary, full of grace.

The Lord is with the blessed art.

Thou among women, and blessed is the.

Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.

Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

Hail Mary, full of grace.

The Lord is with the blessed art.

Thou among women, and blessed is the.

Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.

Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

Hail Mary, full of grace.

The Lord is with the blessed art.

Thou among women, and blessed is the.

Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.

Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

Hail Mary, full of grace.

The Lord is with the blessed art.

Thou among women, and blessed is the.

Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.

Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

Hail Mary, full of grace.

The Lord is with the blessed art.

Thou among women, and blessed is the.

Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.

Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

Hail Mary, full of grace.

The Lord is with the blessed art.

Thou among women, and blessed is the.

Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.

Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

Hail Mary, full of grace.

The Lord is with the blessed art.

Thou among women, and blessed is the.

Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.

Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

Hail Mary, full of grace.

The Lord is with the blessed art.

Thou among women, and blessed is the.

Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.

Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

Glory be to the Father and to.

The Son and to the Holy Spirit.

[Father Josh Johnson]

As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end.

[Unknown Speaker]

Amen.

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

All right.

[Father Mike Schmitz]

Thanks so much for joining me and praying with me today.

[Father Josh Johnson]

I. I look forward to continuing this journey with you again tomorrow. Poco. Poco. Friends, God bless you.