Summary4 min read

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

Episode: Day 235: The Crowning with Thorns and the Carrying of the Cross
Date: August 23, 2025
Host: Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR/Ascension

Episode Overview

This episode of The Rosary in a Year podcast, led by Fr. Mark-Mary Ames and the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, centers on meditating upon the third and fourth Sorrowful Mysteries: the Crowning with Thorns and the Carrying of the Cross. Listeners are thoughtfully invited into prayerful contemplation, focusing on the humility and suffering of Christ, and the daily call to take up one’s own cross in imitation of Jesus.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Introduction & Invitation to Prayer

[00:04] Fr. Mark-Mary sets a contemplative tone, emphasizing how praying the Rosary deepens our relationship with Jesus and Mary and serves as a "source of grace for the whole world."
Practical guidance is offered for building a daily habit of prayer and tracking progress using the Ascension prayer plan.

Meditation on the Third Sorrowful Mystery: The Crowning with Thorns

[00:55] Focus is drawn to the humiliation and mockery endured by Jesus:
- "We see Jesus, the True King, being mocked... Crowned with thorns, clothed in purple, given a reed, but then being spat upon. Behold your King. Behold his humility."
  — Franciscan Friar 1 (01:03)
Emphasis is placed on the paradox of Christ’s suffering — His Passion is the "royal road" leading to ultimate victory in the Resurrection.
- "Behold the royal road of His Passion which leads to his ultimate victory in the Resurrection."
  — Franciscan Friar 3 (01:25)

Meditation on the Fourth Sorrowful Mystery: The Carrying of the Cross

[01:25] Jesus is depicted as freely embracing His cross, moving towards Calvary "like an ordinary criminal condemned to death."
Listeners are encouraged to recall those whom Jesus meets on His way, with special emphasis on Simon of Cyrene:
- "Simon... is compelled to help carry the cross. And in carrying this cross is given the opportunity to encounter His Savior and His salvation... face to face."
  — Franciscan Friar 1 (01:49)
A direct challenge and encouragement is given to all:
- "May this be an encouragement to each of us as we each day freely embrace and say yes to carrying our own crosses."
  — Franciscan Friar 3 (02:13)

Preparation for Prayer

[02:24] All are invited to a moment of silence, recollecting themselves and inviting the Holy Spirit to animate the coming prayer:
- "Ask for the grace of the Holy Spirit to animate and guide and make efficacious our prayer."
  — Lead Prayer Speaker (02:29)

Praying the Rosary: Third and Fourth Sorrowful Mysteries

[02:37–10:54] The group slowly and reverently recites the Our Father, Hail Mary (ten times each mystery), Glory Be, and the Fatima prayer for both the Crowning with Thorns and the Carrying of the Cross.
- The tone is meditative and communal, with leaders guiding each prayer and inviting the listener into active participation.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

“Behold your King. Behold his humility.”
— Franciscan Friar 1 (01:03)
"Behold the royal road of His Passion which leads to his ultimate victory in the Resurrection."
— Franciscan Friar 3 (01:25)
"Simon... is compelled to help carry the cross. And in carrying this cross is given the opportunity to encounter His Savior and His salvation and Jesus face to face."
— Franciscan Friar 1 (01:49)
"May this be an encouragement to each of us as we each day freely embrace and say yes to carrying our own crosses."
— Franciscan Friar 3 (02:13)
"Ask for the grace of the Holy Spirit to animate and guide and make efficacious our prayer."
— Lead Prayer Speaker (02:29)

Important Timestamps

00:55–02:24 — Meditations on both mysteries with practical and spiritual insights
02:37–10:54 — Communal recitation of the Rosary for the third and fourth Sorrowful Mysteries
11:12–11:18 — Closing encouragement:
- "Thanks so much for joining me and praying with me today. I look forward to continuing this journey with you again tomorrow... Poco a poco, friends, God bless you all."
  — Lead Prayer Speaker & Friars (11:12)

Summary & Takeaway

This episode beautifully combines spiritual insight, Scripture-based meditation, and practical encouragement, guiding the listener to reflect not just upon Christ’s suffering, but also the invitation to imitate His humility and courage. The focus on Simon of Cyrene underscores the transformative power of accompanying Christ with our struggles, while the communal prayer provides both comfort and strength for daily life.

Listeners are left with a sense of companionship on their faith journey—reminded that, "poco a poco," little by little, they are called to grow in love and holiness.

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Transcript201 lines

[00:00]
Unknown Intro Speaker
Foreign.
[00:05]
Mark Mary
Mark Mary with Franciscan Friars with Renewal and this is the Rosary in Here podcast, where through prayer and meditation, the Rosary brings us deeper into relationship with Jesus and Mary and becomes a.
[00:14]
Lead Prayer Speaker
Source of grace for the whole world.
[00:15]
Mark Mary
The Rosary in a Year is brought to you by Ascension.
[00:18]
Lead Prayer Speaker
This is day 235.
[00:21]
Mark Mary
To download the prayer plan for Rosary in a year, visit ascensionpress.com rosary in a year or text R I Y to 33 777. You'll get an outline of how we're.
[00:30]
Franciscan Friar 1
Going to pray each month, and it's.
[00:31]
Mark Mary
A great way to track your progress. The best place to listen the Podcast in the Ascension app. There are special features built just for this podcast and also recordings of the full Rosary with myself and other friars. No matter what app you're listening in, remember to tap, follow or subscribe for your daily notifications.
[00:47]
Lead Prayer Speaker
Today we'll be praying the third and the fourth Sorrowful Mysteries, the crowning with Thorns and the Carrying of the Cross.
[00:55]
Franciscan Friar 1
As we pray with the third Sorrowful Mystery, the crowning with Thorns, we see Jesus, the True King, being mocked.
[01:03]
Franciscan Friar 2
Being.
[01:03]
Franciscan Friar 1
Crowned with thorns, clothed in purple, given a reed, but then being spat upon. Behold your King. Behold his humility.
[01:21]
Franciscan Friar 3
But also behold the royal road of His Passion which leads.
[01:26]
Franciscan Friar 1
To his ultimate victory in the Resurrection. As we pray with the Fourth Sorrowful Mystery, Jesus Carrying His Cross we see Jesus freely embracing his cross, journeying away from Jerusalem to Calvary.
[01:49]
Prayer Leader 1
Like an ordinary.
[01:49]
Franciscan Friar 1
Criminal condemned to death. We call to mind those he meets along the road, especially Simon, who's compelled to help carry the cross. And in carrying this cross is given the opportunity to encounter His Savior and His salvation and Jesus face to face. May this be an encouragement to each.
[02:13]
Franciscan Friar 3
Of us as we each day freely.
[02:16]
Franciscan Friar 1
Embrace and say yes to carrying our own crosses.
[02:25]
Prayer Leader 2
So we'll go ahead and take a moment to become recollected.
[02:30]
Lead Prayer Speaker
Ask for the grace of the Holy Spirit to animate.
[02:32]
Prayer Leader 1
And guide and make efficacious our prayer.
[02:36]
Lead Prayer Speaker
And then we'll begin.
[02:37]
Prayer Leader 1
In the name of the Father and.
[02:39]
Lead Prayer Speaker
Of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
[02:42]
Franciscan Friar 2
Amen.
[02:45]
Lead Prayer Speaker
The Third Sorrowful Mystery is the Crowning with Thorns Our Father who art in.
[02:51]
Prayer Leader 1
Heaven, hallowed be Thy name.
[02:54]
Prayer Leader 2
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done.
[02:57]
Lead Prayer Speaker
On earth as it is in heaven.
[02:59]
Franciscan Friar 3
Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us and.
[03:08]
Prayer Leader 2
And lead us not into temptation, but.
[03:11]
Franciscan Friar 3
Deliver us from evil.
[03:12]
Franciscan Friar 2
Amen.
[03:14]
Prayer Leader 3
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord.
[03:17]
Lead Prayer Speaker
Is with the blessed art thou among.
[03:19]
Prayer Leader 2
Women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[03:24]
Prayer Leader 1
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[03:28]
Lead Prayer Speaker
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[03:31]
Franciscan Friar 2
Amen.
[03:33]
Prayer Leader 3
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[03:35]
Franciscan Friar 3
The Lord is with the blessed art.
[03:38]
Prayer Leader 2
Thou among women, and blessed is the.
[03:42]
Prayer Leader 4
Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[03:45]
Prayer Leader 1
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[03:48]
Lead Prayer Speaker
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[03:51]
Franciscan Friar 2
Amen.
[03:54]
Prayer Leader 3
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[03:56]
Franciscan Friar 3
The Lord is with the blessed art.
[03:59]
Prayer Leader 2
Thou among women, and blessed is the.
[04:02]
Prayer Leader 4
Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[04:05]
Prayer Leader 1
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[04:08]
Lead Prayer Speaker
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[04:12]
Franciscan Friar 2
Amen.
[04:14]
Prayer Leader 3
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[04:17]
Franciscan Friar 3
The Lord is with the blessed art.
[04:20]
Prayer Leader 2
Thou among women, and blessed is the.
[04:23]
Prayer Leader 4
Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[04:26]
Prayer Leader 1
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[04:29]
Lead Prayer Speaker
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[04:32]
Franciscan Friar 2
Amen.
[04:34]
Prayer Leader 3
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[04:37]
Franciscan Friar 3
The Lord is with the blessed art.
[04:40]
Prayer Leader 2
Thou among women, and blessed is the.
[04:43]
Prayer Leader 4
Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[04:46]
Prayer Leader 1
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[04:50]
Lead Prayer Speaker
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[04:53]
Franciscan Friar 2
Amen.
[04:56]
Prayer Leader 3
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[04:58]
Franciscan Friar 3
The Lord is with the blessed art.
[05:01]
Prayer Leader 2
Thou among women, and blessed is the.
[05:03]
Prayer Leader 4
Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[05:06]
Prayer Leader 1
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[05:10]
Lead Prayer Speaker
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[05:13]
Franciscan Friar 2
Amen.
[05:15]
Prayer Leader 3
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[05:17]
Franciscan Friar 3
The Lord is with the blessed art.
[05:21]
Prayer Leader 2
Thou among women, and blessed is the.
[05:24]
Prayer Leader 4
Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[05:27]
Prayer Leader 1
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[05:30]
Lead Prayer Speaker
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[05:34]
Franciscan Friar 2
Amen.
[05:36]
Prayer Leader 3
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[05:38]
Franciscan Friar 3
The Lord is with the blessed art.
[05:41]
Prayer Leader 2
Thou among women, and blessed is the.
[05:44]
Prayer Leader 4
Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[05:47]
Prayer Leader 1
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[05:50]
Lead Prayer Speaker
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[05:54]
Franciscan Friar 2
Amen.
[05:56]
Prayer Leader 3
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[05:57]
Franciscan Friar 3
The Lord is with the blessed art.
[06:00]
Prayer Leader 2
Thou among women, and blessed is the.
[06:03]
Prayer Leader 4
Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[06:06]
Prayer Leader 1
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[06:09]
Lead Prayer Speaker
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[06:12]
Franciscan Friar 2
Amen.
[06:14]
Prayer Leader 3
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[06:16]
Franciscan Friar 3
The Lord is with the blessed art.
[06:19]
Prayer Leader 2
Thou among women, and blessed is the.
[06:22]
Prayer Leader 4
Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[06:25]
Prayer Leader 1
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[06:28]
Lead Prayer Speaker
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[06:32]
Franciscan Friar 2
Amen.
[06:34]
Lead Prayer Speaker
Glory be to the Father and to.
[06:35]
Franciscan Friar 3
The Son and to the Holy Spirit.
[06:38]
Prayer Leader 2
As it was in the beginning, is.
[06:41]
Lead Prayer Speaker
Now and ever shall be, world without end.
[06:44]
Franciscan Friar 2
Amen.
[06:45]
Lead Prayer Speaker
Oh, my Jesus, forgive us our sins.
[06:48]
Prayer Leader 2
Save us from the fires of hell and lead all souls to heaven, especially.
[06:54]
Lead Prayer Speaker
Those in most need of thy mercy. The fourth sorrowful mystery is the carrying of the cross.
[07:03]
Prayer Leader 1
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done.
[07:10]
Prayer Leader 2
On earth as it is in heaven.
[07:13]
Franciscan Friar 3
Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.
[07:21]
Lead Prayer Speaker
And lead us not into temptation, but.
[07:24]
Franciscan Friar 3
Deliver us from evil.
[07:26]
Franciscan Friar 2
Amen.
[07:28]
Prayer Leader 3
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[07:30]
Franciscan Friar 3
The Lord is with the blessed art.
[07:33]
Prayer Leader 2
Thou among women, and blessed is the.
[07:36]
Prayer Leader 4
Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[07:39]
Prayer Leader 1
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[07:42]
Lead Prayer Speaker
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[07:46]
Franciscan Friar 2
Amen.
[07:48]
Prayer Leader 3
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[07:50]
Franciscan Friar 3
The Lord is with the blessed art.
[07:53]
Prayer Leader 2
Thou among women, and blessed is the.
[07:56]
Prayer Leader 4
Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[07:59]
Prayer Leader 1
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[08:02]
Lead Prayer Speaker
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[08:05]
Franciscan Friar 2
Amen.
[08:08]
Prayer Leader 3
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[08:09]
Franciscan Friar 3
The Lord is with the blessed art.
[08:12]
Prayer Leader 2
Thou among women, and blessed is the.
[08:15]
Prayer Leader 4
Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[08:18]
Prayer Leader 1
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[08:22]
Lead Prayer Speaker
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[08:25]
Franciscan Friar 2
Amen.
[08:27]
Prayer Leader 3
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[08:28]
Franciscan Friar 3
The Lord is with the blessed art.
[08:31]
Prayer Leader 2
Thou among women, and blessed is the.
[08:34]
Prayer Leader 4
Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[08:37]
Prayer Leader 1
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[08:40]
Lead Prayer Speaker
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[08:44]
Franciscan Friar 2
Amen.
[08:45]
Prayer Leader 3
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[08:47]
Franciscan Friar 3
The Lord is with the blessed art.
[08:50]
Prayer Leader 2
Thou among women, and blessed is the.
[08:53]
Prayer Leader 4
Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[08:56]
Prayer Leader 1
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[08:59]
Lead Prayer Speaker
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[09:03]
Franciscan Friar 2
Amen.
[09:05]
Prayer Leader 3
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[09:07]
Franciscan Friar 3
The Lord is with the blessed art.
[09:10]
Prayer Leader 2
Thou among women, and blessed is the.
[09:13]
Prayer Leader 4
Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[09:16]
Prayer Leader 1
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[09:19]
Lead Prayer Speaker
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[09:22]
Franciscan Friar 2
Amen.
[09:25]
Prayer Leader 3
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[09:27]
Franciscan Friar 3
The Lord is with the blessed art.
[09:30]
Prayer Leader 2
Thou among women, and blessed is the.
[09:33]
Prayer Leader 4
Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[09:36]
Prayer Leader 1
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[09:39]
Lead Prayer Speaker
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[09:42]
Franciscan Friar 2
Amen.
[09:45]
Prayer Leader 3
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[09:47]
Franciscan Friar 3
The Lord is with the blessed art.
[09:50]
Prayer Leader 2
Thou among women, and blessed is the.
[09:53]
Prayer Leader 4
Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[09:56]
Prayer Leader 1
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[09:59]
Lead Prayer Speaker
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[10:03]
Franciscan Friar 2
Amen.
[10:04]
Prayer Leader 3
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[10:07]
Franciscan Friar 3
The Lord is with the blessed art.
[10:10]
Prayer Leader 2
Thou among women, and blessed is the.
[10:13]
Prayer Leader 4
Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[10:16]
Prayer Leader 1
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[10:19]
Lead Prayer Speaker
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[10:22]
Franciscan Friar 2
Amen.
[10:24]
Prayer Leader 3
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[10:26]
Franciscan Friar 3
The Lord is with the blessed art.
[10:29]
Prayer Leader 2
Thou among women, and blessed is the.
[10:32]
Prayer Leader 4
Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[10:36]
Prayer Leader 1
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[10:39]
Lead Prayer Speaker
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[10:42]
Franciscan Friar 2
Amen.
[10:44]
Prayer Leader 1
Glory be to the Father and to.
[10:46]
Lead Prayer Speaker
The Son and to the Holy Spirit.
[10:48]
Prayer Leader 2
As it was in the beginning, is.
[10:50]
Lead Prayer Speaker
Now and ever shall be world without end.
[10:53]
Franciscan Friar 2
Amen.
[10:55]
Lead Prayer Speaker
O my Jesus, forgive us our sins.
[10:58]
Prayer Leader 2
Save us from the fires of hell and lead all souls to heaven, especially.
[11:03]
Lead Prayer Speaker
Those in most need of thy mercy.
[11:06]
Prayer Leader 1
In the name of the Father and.
[11:07]
Lead Prayer Speaker
Of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
[11:11]
Franciscan Friar 2
Amen. All right.
[11:12]
Lead Prayer Speaker
Thanks so much for joining me and praying with me today. I look forward to continuing this journey with you again tomorrow.
[11:18]
Prayer Leader 3
Poco.
[11:18]
Franciscan Friar 1
Poco.
[11:19]
Prayer Leader 2
Friends, God bless you all.