Podcast Summary: The Rosary in a Year – Day 171: Worship the Newborn King

Host: Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR
Release Date: June 20, 2025
Podcast Series: The Rosary in a Year
Hosted by: Ascension

Introduction

In Day 171: Worship the Newborn King, Fr. Mark-Mary Ames guides listeners through a profound meditation on the Nativity, enriching their prayer life with deep insights and artistic reflection. This episode integrates the beauty of sacred art with heartfelt prayer, offering a transformative experience for both novice and seasoned practitioners of the Rosary.

Exploring the Third Joyful Mystery: The Nativity of Our Lord

Fr. Mark-Mary begins by introducing the day's focus—the third Joyful Mystery of the Rosary, the Nativity of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes how this mystery invites believers to contemplate the humble birth of Jesus and its significance in fostering a deeper relationship with Him and the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Notable Quote:
"Today we will be meditating upon and praying with the third joyful mystery, the Nativity of our Lord..."
— Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [02:30]

Artistic Insight: Caravaggio's Nativity with St. Francis and St. Lawrence

To enhance the meditation, Fr. Mark-Mary delves into Caravaggio's 1609 masterpiece, "Nativity with St. Francis and St. Lawrence." He provides a vivid description of the painting’s composition and symbolism:

• Setting: A humble barn adorned with wooden golden beams and hay.
• Figures:
  • Baby Jesus lying in the manger.
  • Virgin Mary gazing tenderly at Jesus.
  • St. Lawrence observing the child with attentiveness.
  • St. Francis in reverent contemplation.
  • An angel descending gracefully into the scene.

Notable Quote:
"Amidst wooden golden beams and tufts of hay, a tiny baby Jesus lays on the floor of a barn... St. Francis, cloaked in his brown habit, hands folded in reverence..."
— Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [05:15]

Reflecting on the Painting's Significance

Fr. Mark-Mary highlights the inclusion of St. Francis of Assisi and St. Lawrence in Caravaggio's depiction, drawing connections to their virtues:

• St. Lawrence: Represents profound service to the poor and martyrdom.
• St. Francis: Embodies devotion to holy poverty and humility.

He reflects on how their presence underscores the themes of humility and service inherent in the Nativity story, encouraging listeners to emulate these virtues in their spiritual lives.

Notable Quote:
"Caravaggio's inclusion of St. Francis here opens the door widely to me, bringing some St. Francis into today's magic meditation."
— Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [09:45]

Special Prayer: Praises of God

Departing from the usual podcast format, Fr. Mark-Mary introduces a special prayer segment featuring the "Praises of God," a prayer attributed to St. Francis. This prayer serves to deepen the meditational experience by focusing on the majesty and humility of God.

Notable Quote:
"What I'm going to do is I'm going to lead us in prayer today using the praises of God, which is a prayer, It's a text written by St. Francis."
— Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [11:20]

The Praises of God Prayer

Fr. Mark-Mary recites the prayer, encouraging listeners to contemplate each attribute of God mentioned:

• Attributes Highlighted: Holiness, strength, love, wisdom, humility, beauty, and eternal life.

Key Excerpts:
"You are holy Lord, God alone who works wonders. You are strong, you are great, you are the Most High, you are almighty... You are our hope, our faith, our charity..."

Reflection on the Prayer

After the prayer, Fr. Mark-Mary reflects on its significance, emphasizing how it reorients believers' understanding of God's nature:

• Majesty and Humility: Balancing the grandeur of God with His humble incarnation.
• Personal Application: Encouraging listeners to internalize these attributes, allowing them to transform their spiritual lives.

Notable Quote:
"Understanding the humility of God and really appreciating it, including this mystery of the Nativity, like, it begins with understanding the majesty of God again, who it is here, being born into the world."
— Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [20:10]

Decade of the Rosary

Concluding the meditation, Fr. Mark-Mary leads listeners through a decade of the Rosary, focusing on the themes discussed:

1. Our Father
2. Hail Marys: Repeated ten times, reinforcing the connection to Mary and the Nativity.
3. Glory Be to the Father: Affirming the eternal nature of the Trinity.

Notable Quote:
"This is who took flesh in the womb of the Virgin Mary and was born in the manger because there was no room for him in the end."
— Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [25:00]

Conclusion

Fr. Mark-Mary wraps up the session by invoking blessings and expressing anticipation for the next day's journey through the Rosary. He encourages listeners to carry the day's reflections into their daily lives, fostering a continuous growth in their relationship with Jesus and Mary.

Closing Quote:
"Thanks so much for joining me and praying with me today. I look forward to continuing this journey with you again tomorrow."
— Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [28:50]

Additional Resources:

• Prayer Plan Download: Visit ascensionpress.com/riy or text RIY to 33777.
• Rosary in a Year Prayer Guide: A complementary book featuring daily Scripture readings, saint reflections, and sacred art.

Final Note:
Day 171 offers a harmonious blend of art, prayer, and reflection, inviting listeners to deepen their spiritual practice through the timeless mystery of the Nativity. Fr. Mark-Mary Ames provides a rich, engaging experience that enhances the daily Rosary with historical context and heartfelt devotion.