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

Episode: Day 251: The Sorrowful Mysteries
Host: Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR (Ascension)
Date: September 8, 2025

Overview

In this episode of "The Rosary in a Year," Fr. Mark-Mary Ames leads listeners through a meditative and prayerful recitation of three Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary:

• The Scourging at the Pillar (2nd Sorrowful Mystery)
• The Crowning with Thorns (3rd Sorrowful Mystery)
• The Carrying of the Cross (4th Sorrowful Mystery)

The episode offers listeners a guide for deepening their prayer life by uniting their intentions with those of Jesus and Mary, providing structure and communal support for building a daily Rosary habit.

Key Discussion Points and Structure

Introduction and Opening (00:00–01:00)

• Brief explanation of the podcast’s mission: to deepen relationship with Jesus and Mary through the Rosary.
• Encouragement to download the Rosary prayer plan and use Ascension resources for further support.
• Expression of gratitude to listeners and supporters.

Praying the Sorrowful Mysteries

The episode is primarily structured around the vocal and communal recitation of the Rosary mysteries, with alternating leading and responses:

2nd Sorrowful Mystery: The Scourging at the Pillar (01:19–05:10)

• Introduction of the mystery and intention for prayer.
• Recitation of the “Our Father” to begin the decade.

  “Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven…” (01:22)

• Ten “Hail Mary” prayers, each highlighting Jesus’ suffering.
• Closing with the “Glory Be” and “Oh my Jesus” prayers, invoking mercy and salvation for all.

3rd Sorrowful Mystery: The Crowning with Thorns (05:10–09:10)

• Introduction of the next mystery and its significance.
• Recitation continues in the same reflective tone:

  “The third sorrowful mystery is the crowning with thorns. Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name…” (05:10)

• Ten “Hail Marys” are recited, joined by all present.
• Closing with the "Glory Be" and “Oh my Jesus” prayers.

4th Sorrowful Mystery: The Carrying of the Cross (09:10–13:13)

• Introduction of the fourth Sorrowful Mystery and the context of Christ’s journey to Calvary.
• Recitation of “Our Father.”
• Ten “Hail Mary” prayers, focusing participants on the endurance and love of Christ.

  “Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death.” (Multiple instances)

• Closing prayers, asking again for forgiveness, salvation, and the conversion of souls.

Closing, Blessings, and Encouragement (13:23–end)

• Fr. Mark-Mary offers gratitude and encourages listeners to continue the journey:

  “Thanks so much for joining me and praying with me again today. I look forward to continuing this journey with you again tomorrow. Poco poco, friends. God bless you.” (13:29)

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• Fr. Mark-Mary’s gentle encouragement:

  “Thanks so much for joining me and praying with me again today. I look forward to continuing this journey with you again tomorrow. Poco poco, friends. God bless you.” (13:29)

• Communal prayer refrains, repeated throughout the episode:

  “Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death.”
  (Multiple instances throughout 02:00–13:01)

• Unified prayer for mercy:

  “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.” (05:10, 09:10, 13:13)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Opening & Instructions: (00:00–01:12)
• 2nd Sorrowful Mystery: The Scourging at the Pillar: (01:19–05:10)
• 3rd Sorrowful Mystery: The Crowning with Thorns: (05:10–09:10)
• 4th Sorrowful Mystery: The Carrying of the Cross: (09:10–13:13)
• Final Blessing & Farewell: (13:23–13:37)

Tone and Language

The episode is serene, meditative, and reverent. Fr. Mark-Mary and the prayer leaders maintain a gentle, inviting tone, making it feel inclusive and sincere, designed to encourage both new and seasoned practitioners in the habit of daily prayer.

Additional Reflections

While the episode is largely comprised of communal prayer rather than topical teaching or commentary, the way each mystery is announced and prayed offers listeners an opportunity for deep and structured contemplation with spiritual benefits, fostering a sense of community and perseverance in developing a prayerful life.

For listeners seeking to grow in Marian devotion and a disciplined prayer routine, this episode serves as a practical, peaceful guide through the Sorrowful Mysteries.