Summary4 min read

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

Day 234: The Agony in the Garden and the Scourging at the Pillar (August 22, 2025)

Overview

In Day 234 of The Rosary in a Year, Fr. Mark-Mary Ames guides listeners through prayer and meditation on the first two Sorrowful Mysteries: the Agony in the Garden and the Scourging at the Pillar. The episode emphasizes the depth of Jesus’ sacrifice and love, inviting listeners to enter more deeply into the passion of Christ, receive the gift of his suffering, and approach prayer as a source of transformation and grace.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introduction to Today’s Mysteries

(00:58–02:39)

The Agony in the Garden: Jesus prays in Gethsemane, deeply troubled and grieving, asking his Father if it’s possible to let the suffering pass, yet submitting wholly to God’s will.
Emphasis on Human Weakness: The sorrow of Jesus is made sharper by his closest friends—Peter, James, and John—being unable to remain awake and support him in his most difficult hour.
- “We see how much it cost the Lord to say yes to his passion, the cost that he paid freely for your salvation and mine.” (01:22, Host)
The Scourging at the Pillar: Jesus, the innocent Lamb, is brutally scourged for the sins of the world.
- An invitation to the listener: “Don’t be indifferent. Receive the gift of my passion...my blood freely poured out for your salvation and for your sanctification.” (01:58, Host)

2. Preparing the Heart for Prayer

(02:39–02:53)

Invocation of the Holy Spirit:
The group pauses to seek the presence and grace of the Holy Spirit, affirming that true prayer is animated and moved by the Spirit.
- “As we’ve talked about, the primary mover and animator of our prayer [is the Holy Spirit].” (02:44, Narrator)

3. Praying the First Sorrowful Mystery: The Agony in the Garden

(02:59–07:04)

The group prays the Our Father and ten Hail Marys, meditating on Jesus’s agony.
The meditation is rooted in scriptural language and draws attention to the suffering and sorrow of Jesus in the garden.
The sequence ends with the Glory Be and Fatima Prayer:
- “Oh, my Jesus, forgive us our sins. Save us from the fires of hell. And lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy.” (06:56–07:04, Narrator, Fr. Mark Mary, Fr. Francis)

4. Praying the Second Sorrowful Mystery: The Scourging at the Pillar

(07:13–11:16)

The group prays the Our Father and ten Hail Marys again, this time meditating on the brutal treatment of Jesus during the scourging.
This section, though mostly comprised of the rosary prayers themselves, reflects on the body and blood of Christ being given for the salvation of all.
Concludes with the Glory Be and Fatima Prayer, echoing the theme of mercy and salvation for the world.
- “Lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy.” (11:13–11:16, Fr. Mark Mary, Fr. Francis)

5. Closing Blessing and Encouragement

(11:19–11:30)

Fr. Mark-Mary expresses gratitude and looks forward to continuing the journey with listeners:
- “Thanks so much for joining me and praying with me again today. I look forward to continuing this journey with you again tomorrow. Poco a poco, friends, God bless you.” (11:24–11:30, Fr. Mark Mary & Fr. Mike Schmitz)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

“We see how much it cost the Lord to say yes to his passion, the cost that he paid freely for your salvation and mine.” (01:22, Host)
“Receive the gift of my passion... my blood freely poured out for your salvation and for your sanctification. Receive the gift.” (01:58, Host)
“As we’ve talked about, the primary mover and animator of our prayer...” (02:44, Narrator)
“Oh, my Jesus, forgive us our sins. Save us from the fires of hell. And lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy.” (06:56–07:04, Narrator, Fr. Mark Mary, Fr. Francis)
“Thanks so much for joining me and praying with me again today... Poco a poco, friends, God bless you.” (11:24–11:30, Fr. Mark Mary & Fr. Mike Schmitz)

Timestamps for Important Segments

00:58–02:39: Introduction to the Agony in the Garden & Scourging at the Pillar – setting the thematic focus and emotional tone
02:39–02:53: Invocation of the Holy Spirit
02:59–07:04: First Sorrowful Mystery: The Agony in the Garden (Our Father, Hail Marys, meditation)
07:13–11:16: Second Sorrowful Mystery: The Scourging at the Pillar (Our Father, Hail Marys, meditation)
11:19–11:30: Closing words, gratitude, encouragement

Tone & Style

The episode is contemplative, gentle, and inviting, focusing on personal transformation and deepening one’s prayer life. Fr. Mark-Mary balances solemn reflection on the Passion of Christ with warmth and encouragement for listeners to continue their journey “poco a poco”—little by little—into deeper relationship with Jesus and Mary.

Summary

This episode walks listeners through meditations on the first two Sorrowful Mysteries, emphasizing the gravity of Christ’s suffering and the personal invitation for each believer to receive this gift anew. Through guided prayer and scriptural meditation, listeners are reminded that the Rosary is not just repetition, but a pathway to grace and a deepening of faith, offered freely and with love by Christ.

Whether you’re new to the Rosary or deepening a long-standing devotion, Day 234 offers a powerful invitation to enter into these mysteries with your heart, to receive the gifts of Christ’s sacrifice, and to continue building a transformative daily habit of prayer.

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Transcript200 lines

[00:00]
Host
Foreign.
[00:05]
Fr. Mike Schmitz
Mark Mary with Franciscan Friars of.
[00:06]
Fr. Mark Mary
Renewal and this is the Rosary in.
[00:08]
Fr. Mike Schmitz
A 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.
[00:18]
Fr. Francis
This is day 234.
[00:21]
Fr. 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.
[00:32]
Host
A great way to track your progress.
[00:34]
Fr. Mike Schmitz
The best place to listen to the.
[00:35]
Narrator
Podcast is in the Ascension app.
[00:36]
Fr. Mike Schmitz
There are special features built just for this podcast and also recordings of the full Rosary with myself and other friars. I encourage you to pick up a copy of the Rosary in the Year Prayer Guide, a book published by Ascension that was designed to complement this podcast. You'll find all the daily readings of scripture, saint reflections and beautiful images of the sacred art will be reflecting on.
[00:57]
Narrator
Today we'll be praying with the first.
[00:59]
Fr. Mark Mary
And the second Sorrowful Mysteries, the agony.
[01:01]
Narrator
In the garden and the scourging at the pillar.
[01:06]
Host
As we pray with the first sorrowful mystery, the agony in the garden, we see Jesus in prayer in the dark garden, saying repeatedly, my Father, My Father.
[01:20]
Narrator
My Father.
[01:23]
Host
But ultimately right, expressing like, if it's possible, let this cup pass. But not my will, but your will be done. We see the added sorrow of Peter, James and John not even being able to keep awake for one hour with the Lord in this time of agony. We see how much it cost the Lord to say yes to his passion, the cost that he paid freely for your salvation and mine. As we pray with the second sorrowful Mystery, you see Jesus being scourged at the pillar, the innocent Lamb like beaten for the offenses of the world. And we can experience this invitation of Jesus like don't be indifferent. Receive the gift of my passion. Receive the gift of my scourging, of my blood freely poured out for your salvation and for your sanctification. Receive the gift.
[02:40]
Fr. Mark Mary
So we'll take a moment.
[02:42]
Prayer Leader
And ask.
[02:43]
Fr. Francis
For the grace of the Holy Spirit.
[02:45]
Narrator
As we've talked about, the primary mover.
[02:47]
Prayer Reader
And animator of our prayer.
[02:52]
Prayer Leader
And then we'll begin.
[02:53]
Prayer Reader
In the name of the Father and.
[02:54]
Fr. Francis
Of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
[02:57]
Prayer Leader
Amen.
[03:00]
Narrator
The first sorrowful Mystery is the agony in the garden. Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name.
[03:08]
Prayer Reader
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done.
[03:11]
Narrator
On earth as it is in heaven.
[03:14]
Fr. Francis
Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.
[03:22]
Fr. Mark Mary
And lead us not into temptation, but.
[03:25]
Fr. Francis
Deliver us from evil.
[03:26]
Prayer Leader
Amen.
[03:28]
Hail Mary Reader 1
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[03:30]
Fr. Francis
The Lord is with the blessed art.
[03:33]
Fr. Mark Mary
Thou among women, and blessed is the.
[03:35]
Hail Mary Reader 2
Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[03:38]
Prayer Reader
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[03:41]
Narrator
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[03:45]
Prayer Leader
Amen.
[03:46]
Hail Mary Reader 1
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[03:49]
Fr. Francis
The Lord is with the blessed art.
[03:51]
Fr. Mark Mary
Thou among women, and blessed is the.
[03:54]
Hail Mary Reader 2
Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[03:57]
Prayer Reader
Holy, Holy Mary, mother of God, pray.
[04:00]
Narrator
For us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[04:04]
Prayer Leader
Amen.
[04:06]
Hail Mary Reader 1
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[04:08]
Fr. Francis
The Lord is with the blessed art.
[04:11]
Fr. Mark Mary
Thou among women, and blessed is the.
[04:13]
Hail Mary Reader 2
Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[04:16]
Prayer Reader
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[04:19]
Narrator
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[04:23]
Prayer Leader
Amen.
[04:25]
Hail Mary Reader 1
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[04:27]
Fr. Francis
The Lord is with the blessed art.
[04:30]
Fr. Mark Mary
Thou among women, and blessed is the.
[04:32]
Hail Mary Reader 2
Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[04:35]
Prayer Reader
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[04:39]
Narrator
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[04:43]
Prayer Leader
Amen.
[04:45]
Hail Mary Reader 1
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[04:47]
Fr. Francis
The Lord is with the blessed art.
[04:50]
Fr. Mark Mary
Thou among women, and blessed is the.
[04:53]
Hail Mary Reader 2
Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[04:56]
Prayer Reader
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[05:00]
Narrator
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[05:03]
Prayer Leader
Amen.
[05:05]
Hail Mary Reader 1
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[05:07]
Fr. Francis
The Lord is with the blessed art.
[05:10]
Fr. Mark Mary
Thou among women, and blessed is the.
[05:13]
Hail Mary Reader 2
Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[05:16]
Prayer Reader
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[05:20]
Narrator
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[05:24]
Prayer Leader
Amen.
[05:25]
Hail Mary Reader 1
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[05:27]
Fr. Francis
The Lord is with the blessed art.
[05:30]
Fr. Mark Mary
Thou among women, and blessed is the.
[05:33]
Hail Mary Reader 2
Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[05:36]
Prayer Reader
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[05:39]
Narrator
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[05:43]
Prayer Leader
Amen.
[05:45]
Hail Mary Reader 1
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[05:47]
Fr. Francis
The Lord is with the blessed art.
[05:50]
Fr. Mark Mary
Thou among women, and blessed is the.
[05:53]
Hail Mary Reader 2
Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[05:56]
Prayer Reader
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[06:00]
Narrator
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[06:04]
Prayer Leader
Amen.
[06:05]
Hail Mary Reader 1
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.
[06:10]
Fr. Mark Mary
Blessed art thou among women, and blessed.
[06:13]
Hail Mary Reader 2
Is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[06:16]
Prayer Reader
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[06:20]
Narrator
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[06:23]
Prayer Leader
Amen.
[06:25]
Hail Mary Reader 1
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[06:28]
Fr. Francis
The Lord is with the blessed art.
[06:31]
Fr. Mark Mary
Thou among women, and blessed is the.
[06:34]
Hail Mary Reader 2
Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[06:37]
Prayer Reader
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[06:40]
Narrator
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[06:43]
Prayer Leader
Amen.
[06:45]
Narrator
Glory be to the Father and to.
[06:47]
Fr. Mark Mary
The Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is.
[06:52]
Narrator
Now and ever shall be world without end.
[06:55]
Prayer Leader
Amen.
[06:57]
Narrator
Oh, my Jesus, forgive us our sins. Save us from the fires of hell.
[07:02]
Fr. Mark Mary
And lead all souls to heaven, especially.
[07:04]
Fr. Francis
Those in most need of thy mercy. The second sorrowful mystery is the scourging at the pillar.
[07:13]
Prayer Reader
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done.
[07:21]
Fr. Mark Mary
On earth as it is in heaven.
[07:23]
Fr. Francis
Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.
[07:32]
Narrator
And lead us not into temptation, but.
[07:35]
Fr. Francis
Deliver us from evil.
[07:36]
Prayer Leader
Amen.
[07:39]
Hail Mary Reader 1
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[07:41]
Fr. Francis
The Lord is with the blessed art.
[07:44]
Fr. Mark Mary
Thou among women, and blessed is the.
[07:46]
Hail Mary Reader 2
Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[07:49]
Prayer Reader
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[07:53]
Narrator
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[07:56]
Prayer Leader
Amen.
[07:58]
Hail Mary Reader 1
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[08:00]
Fr. Francis
The Lord is with the blessed art.
[08:03]
Fr. Mark Mary
Thou among women and blessed is the.
[08:06]
Hail Mary Reader 2
Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[08:09]
Prayer Reader
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[08:13]
Narrator
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[08:16]
Prayer Leader
Amen.
[08:18]
Hail Mary Reader 1
Hail Mary, full of grace, The Lord.
[08:21]
Fr. Mark Mary
Is with the blessed art thou among.
[08:24]
Hail Mary Reader 2
Women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[08:29]
Prayer Reader
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[08:33]
Narrator
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[08:36]
Prayer Leader
Amen.
[08:38]
Hail Mary Reader 1
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[08:40]
Fr. Francis
The Lord is with the blessed art.
[08:43]
Fr. Mark Mary
Thou among women, and blessed is the.
[08:46]
Hail Mary Reader 2
Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[08:49]
Prayer Reader
Holy Mary, mother of God holy pray.
[08:52]
Narrator
For us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[08:56]
Prayer Leader
Amen.
[08:58]
Hail Mary Reader 1
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[09:00]
Fr. Francis
The Lord is with the blessed art.
[09:03]
Fr. Mark Mary
Thou among women and blessed is the.
[09:06]
Hail Mary Reader 2
Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[09:09]
Prayer Reader
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[09:12]
Narrator
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[09:16]
Prayer Leader
Amen.
[09:18]
Hail Mary Reader 1
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[09:20]
Fr. Francis
The Lord is with the blessed art.
[09:24]
Fr. Mark Mary
Thou among women, and blessed is the.
[09:26]
Hail Mary Reader 2
Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[09:29]
Prayer Reader
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[09:33]
Narrator
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[09:36]
Prayer Leader
Amen.
[09:39]
Hail Mary Reader 1
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[09:41]
Fr. Francis
The Lord is with the blessed art.
[09:44]
Fr. Mark Mary
Thou among women, and blessed is the.
[09:47]
Hail Mary Reader 2
Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[09:50]
Prayer Reader
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[09:53]
Narrator
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[09:57]
Prayer Leader
Amen.
[09:59]
Hail Mary Reader 1
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[10:01]
Fr. Francis
The Lord is with the blessed art.
[10:04]
Fr. Mark Mary
Thou among women, and blessed is the.
[10:07]
Hail Mary Reader 2
Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[10:10]
Prayer Reader
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[10:13]
Narrator
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[10:17]
Prayer Leader
Amen.
[10:19]
Hail Mary Reader 1
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[10:20]
Fr. Francis
The Lord is with the blessed art.
[10:23]
Fr. Mark Mary
Thou among women, and blessed is the.
[10:26]
Hail Mary Reader 2
Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[10:29]
Prayer Reader
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[10:32]
Narrator
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[10:35]
Prayer Leader
Amen.
[10:37]
Hail Mary Reader 1
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[10:39]
Fr. Francis
The Lord is with the blessed art.
[10:42]
Fr. Mark Mary
Thou among women, and blessed is the.
[10:45]
Hail Mary Reader 2
Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[10:48]
Prayer Reader
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for.
[10:51]
Narrator
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[10:55]
Prayer Leader
Amen.
[10:57]
Narrator
Glory be to the Father, and to.
[10:59]
Fr. Francis
The Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
[11:02]
Fr. Mark Mary
As it was in the beginning, is.
[11:04]
Narrator
Now and ever shall be, world without end.
[11:07]
Prayer Leader
Amen.
[11:09]
Narrator
Oh, my Jesus, forgive us our sins.
[11:12]
Fr. Francis
Save us from the fires of hell.
[11:13]
Fr. Mark Mary
And lead all souls to heaven, especially.
[11:16]
Fr. Francis
Those in most need of thy mercy.
[11:19]
Prayer Reader
In the name of the Father, and.
[11:21]
Fr. Francis
Of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
[11:23]
Prayer Leader
Amen.
[11:25]
Fr. Mark Mary
Thanks so much for joining me and.
[11:26]
Fr. Mike Schmitz
Praying with me again today. I look forward to continuing this journey.
[11:29]
Narrator
With you again tomorrow.
[11:30]
Fr. Mark Mary
Poco Poker.
[11:31]
Fr. Mike Schmitz
Friends, God bless you.