The Rosary in a Year (with Fr. Mark-Mary Ames)

Episode: Day 19 – Valley of Tears
Date: January 19, 2026
Host: Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR

Episode Overview

In Day 19 of “The Rosary in a Year,” Fr. Mark-Mary reflects on the phrase “valley of tears” from the Hail Holy Queen, using biblical and personal stories to explore the reality of suffering in our fallen world. He invites listeners to find companionship and hope in Jesus and Mary—both of whom intimately understand pain. The episode emphasizes honesty about life's hardships while drawing courage from the knowledge that we are not alone in our trials.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Scriptural Foundation of Suffering and Mary’s Motherhood

• Fr. Mark-Mary opens by referencing John 19:26-27, where Jesus gives his mother to John and, by extension, to all of us in the midst of suffering on the cross (00:35–01:17).

  • “When Jesus saw his mother and disciples whom he loved standing near, he said to his mother, ‘woman, behold your son.’ Then he said to the disciple, ‘behold your mother.’ And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.” (Fr. Mark-Mary reads scripture)

• He emphasizes that both John and Mary are suffering at the foot of the cross, sharing in Jesus’ pain (01:17–01:33).

  • “John suffering as he sees the one he loved being crucified, and the Blessed Mother as her own heart is pierced.” (Fr. Mark-Mary, 01:20)

Mary: A Mother Who Knows Suffering – and Hope

• Mary is introduced as “the Woman of Sorrows,” whose own experience of suffering allows her to compassionately accompany us (01:33–02:04).

  • Fr. Mark-Mary notes, “The Blessed Mother also is a woman of hope... she has the experience of Christ risen from the dead... the experience of heaven.” (01:42)

• He reflects on Jesus’ choice to give us Mary as a gift—a companion who knows our pain yet also knows resurrection and hope.

The Author of the Hail Holy Queen: Blessed Herman

• The prayer’s phrase “valley of tears” is explored through the background of its likely author, Blessed Herman of Reichenau (02:20–03:52).

  • “Blessed Herman was born with cerebral palsy, spina bifida and a cleft palate... he would end up going blind... he would have been very, very, very familiar with the cross.” (02:45)

• Fr. Mark-Mary shares that describing the world as a “valley of tears” is “honest and really fair,” considering we all experience suffering (03:44).

Consolation in Shared Suffering

• The real gift, Fr. Mark-Mary says, is companionship:
  • “[Blessed Herman] had a companion in the midst of this valley of tears, someone who was with him... in the Blessed Mother.” (03:54)
  • “The Blessed Mother being one who also know deeply the suffering possible in this life.” (04:05)

Story: The Crucified Christ and the Laughing Jesus

• Fr. Mark-Mary shares a moving story of a Catholic missionary who, intending to bring joy, replaces a widow’s bloody crucifix with a picture of a laughing Jesus—only to later find the crucifix restored (04:19–05:09).

  • When asked why, the widow says:
    • “You see the crucified Jesus, I know that he gets me.” (05:09)

• Fr. Mark-Mary expands:

  • “This woman…knew that. And she found consolation in the fact that Jesus, her Savior, knew what it meant to suffer from within.” (05:13)

Mary: Mother and Guide for the Suffering

• He reflects on the appropriateness of Jesus giving us Mary at the crucifixion, since she knows deep loss and yet continuous hope (05:20–05:54).
  • “She is a perfect mother and a perfect guide as we continue this journey through the valley of tears.” (05:54)

Invitation to Prayer and Solidarity

• Fr. Mark-Mary invites listeners to bring their own “areas of being beat up and struggling...where we feel misunderstood or alone” to Jesus and Mary for solace (06:06–06:19).
  • “Whatever it is, Jesus and Mary, they get it. They get it and they’re with you in it.” (06:30)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Suffering and Understanding:

  • “The crucified Jesus, I know that he gets me.” – Widow in the story (05:09)

• On the ‘Valley of Tears’:

  • “Referring to it as a valley of tears is honest and really fair.” – Fr. Mark-Mary (03:44)

• On Bringing Suffering to Mary:

  • “Let us turn to our Lady. Let us turn to our Lord, who know it, who get it from within.” – Fr. Mark-Mary (06:19)

• Encouragement:

  • “Jesus and Mary, they get it. They’re with you in it.” – Fr. Mark-Mary (06:30)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:35–01:17: John 19 and Mary given as our mother
• 01:17–01:54: Reflection on suffering at the cross
• 02:20–03:52: Blessed Herman and the meaning of “valley of tears”
• 04:19–05:09: Story of the widow, crucifix, and laughing Jesus
• 05:09–05:54: The meaning of shared suffering and Mary as mother
• 06:06–06:30: Invitation to prayer and solidarity with Jesus and Mary

Tone and Language

Fr. Mark-Mary speaks with pastoral gentleness and compassion, addressing listeners as “my brothers and sisters” and inviting them to solidarity and prayer. His storytelling is simple, heartfelt, and rooted in Catholic tradition and scripture.

In Summary

Fr. Mark-Mary’s reflection in this episode is an honest acknowledgment of suffering, reminding us that life is indeed a “valley of tears.” Yet, he emphasizes that in Mary and Jesus, we have companions who truly “get it” from within. Their solidarity turns pain into a place of companionship and hope, making the path through the valley lighter because we’re never alone.

For a deeper journey, listeners are encouraged to embrace prayer, turning to Jesus and Mary especially in their hardest moments.