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.