Podcast Summary: The Rosary in a Year – Day 207: Fiat by Fiat

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Rosary in a Year (with Fr. Mark-Mary Ames)
• Host: Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR, Franciscan Friars of the Renewal
• Produced By: Ascension
• Episode: Day 207: Fiat by Fiat
• Release Date: July 26, 2025

Episode Overview: In Day 207 of "The Rosary in a Year" podcast, Fr. Mark-Mary Ames delves deeply into the fourth Glorious Mystery of the Rosary: the Assumption of Mary. Titled "Fiat by Fiat," this episode emphasizes Mary's unwavering "yes" to God's plan and explores the profound theological and spiritual implications of her Assumption into heaven.

1. Introduction to the Assumption

Fr. Mark-Mary Ames begins the episode by preparing listeners for a meditation on the Assumption of Mary, the moment when Mary was assumed body and soul into heaven. He underscores the Assumption as a culmination of Mary's faithful response to God's will—her "fiat," meaning "let it be done."

Key Points:

• Review of Previous Mysteries: Ames revisits the Magnificat from Luke 1, highlighting Mary's praise for God's actions in her life and His promises to all His people.
• Mary as a Precursor: Mary’s Assumption serves as a precursor to the Church's anticipated resurrection, showcasing God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises.

Notable Quote:

"And in Mary's Assumption we see that God keeps His promises. You could say like we see that it's all true."
— Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [04:15]

2. Theological Reflections on the Assumption

Ames incorporates insightful theological perspectives to deepen the understanding of Mary's Assumption.

a. Bishop Fulton Sheen on the Body as a Temple

He references Bishop Fulton Sheen, who eloquently contrasts contemporary society's obsession with physical beauty and preservation with the eternal truth of the resurrection.

Key Insights:

• Cultural Obsession vs. Spiritual Truth: While modern society invests heavily in maintaining physical beauty, this worldly endeavor pales in comparison to the spiritual truth of bodily resurrection.
• Hope in Divine Fulfillment: True preservation and beauty of the body are fulfilled not through human effort but through God's promise of resurrection, as exemplified by Mary's Assumption.

Notable Quote:

"Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Bishop Sheen pointed out... it will be fulfilled in heaven."
— Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [05:30]

b. St. Bernard of Clairvaux on Celestial Joy

Ames also draws from St. Bernard of Clairvaux, highlighting the immense joy in heaven at Mary's Assumption and its significance for believers.

Key Insights:

• Joy of the Angels and Saints: Mary's ascent is met with "heaped joy upon joy" by the celestial beings, reflecting the profound happiness of the heavenly realm.
• Foretaste of Reunion: The warm reception of Mother Teresa by young nuns serves as a earthly preview of the eternal reunion awaiting the faithful with Mary in heaven.

Notable Quote:

"The glorious Virgin who mounts to the heaven today has without a doubt heaped joy upon joy for the citizens of the world above."
— Referring to St. Bernard of Clairvaux [06:45]

3. Application to the Believer's Journey

Fr. Ames invites listeners to emulate Mary's "fiat" by wholeheartedly consenting to God's will in their own lives. This involves:

• Receiving Grace: Embracing the grace offered through prayer and the Rosary to foster a deeper relationship with Jesus and Mary.
• Confidence in God's Promises: Trusting in God's faithfulness, as demonstrated by Mary's Assumption, to fulfill His promises in one's personal journey.
• Desire for Heavenly Reunion: Cultivating a heartfelt longing to be united with Mary and the Blessed Trinity in heaven.

Notable Reflection:

"That which Mary experiences as a precursor to what all of the church is going to be called to experience... we're invited to receive the gift of hope and of confidence."
— Fr. Mark-Mary Ames [07:30]

4. Guided Prayer and Meditation

The episode transitions into a session of guided prayer, focusing on the Assumption. Fr. Ames leads listeners through the traditional Rosary prayers, enhancing the meditative experience with reflections on the day's mystery.

Prayer Components:

• The Lord’s Prayer (Our Father)
• Hail Mary: Repeated prayers emphasizing Mary’s role and intercession.
• Glory Be: Concluding the Rosary with praising the Holy Trinity.

Throughout the prayer, listeners are encouraged to internalize the themes of faith, surrender, and divine fulfillment embodied in Mary's Assumption.

5. Conclusion and Continued Journey

Fr. Ames concludes the episode by expressing gratitude for joining the prayer session and encourages listeners to continue their "Rosary in a Year" journey the following day.

Final Thoughts:

• Encouragement: Emphasizes the transformative power of consistent prayer and meditation on the Rosary.
• Community: Reiterates the collective aspect of the Rosary as a source of grace for the entire world.

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 [14:44]

Conclusion: Day 207 of "The Rosary in a Year" offers a profound exploration of the Assumption, blending theological depth with heartfelt reflection. Fr. Mark-Mary Ames skillfully guides listeners to not only understand the significance of Mary's Assumption but also to apply its lessons to their spiritual lives, fostering a deeper connection with God and Mary through the powerful devotion of the Rosary.

Resources:

• Prayer Plan Download: Ascension Rosary in a Year
• Rosary in a Year Prayer Guide: Available through Ascension Press
• Listen: Accessible via the Ascension app for exclusive features and full Rosary recordings.