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

Episode: Day 252: The Sorrowful and Glorious Mysteries
Date: September 9, 2025
Host: Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR (Franciscan Friars of the Renewal)
Podcast by: Ascension

Episode Overview

In this episode of "The Rosary in a Year," Fr. Mark-Mary Ames leads listeners through a prayerful journey, meditating on the Fifth Sorrowful Mystery (the Crucifixion) and the first two Glorious Mysteries (the Resurrection and the Ascension). The episode's purpose is to deepen the prayer life of listeners through the traditional recitation of the Rosary, inviting them into closer relationship with Jesus Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary. Listeners are guided to make the Rosary a daily source of grace for themselves and the world.

Key Discussion Points and Prayers

1. Opening and Invitation (00:04–00:57)

• Fr. Mark-Mary welcomes listeners, emphasizing the transformative power of daily Rosary prayer.
  • “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.” (Mark-Mary, 00:04)
• Practical guidance is provided for deepening the Rosary habit:
  • Downloadable prayer plan available at Ascension Press.
  • Encouragement to use the Ascension app and the companion Prayer Guide book.
• No extensive reflection; the focus is on practical tips and formation of daily habit.

2. Meditating on the Mysteries (00:58–13:36)

The bulk of the episode is focused on the meditative recitation of the mysteries:

A. Fifth Sorrowful Mystery: The Crucifixion (00:58–05:12)

• The decade centers on Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, inviting meditation on God’s mercy and the gift of salvation.
• The group recites the "Our Father" followed by ten "Hail Marys", encapsulating the spirit of the Crucifixion.
• Notable prayer:
  • “Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.” (Repeated, see 01:55, etc.)
• Following the decade, they recite the “Glory Be” and the 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.” (Franciscan Friar 2, 05:12)

B. First Glorious Mystery: The Resurrection (05:12–09:18)

• The prayers focus on the joy and hope of the Resurrection, reflecting on the victory over death and invitation to new life.
• After the decade, the “Glory Be” and Fatima Prayer are recited again.

C. Second Glorious Mystery: The Ascension (09:26–13:36)

• The Rosary decade centers on Christ’s return to the Father, calling listeners to contemplate the promise of eternal life and the mission to spread the Gospel.
• The sequence of prayers remains consistent:
  • “Our Father”, ten “Hail Marys”, “Glory Be”, and Fatima Prayer.

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• “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.” (Mark-Mary, 00:04)
• “Thanks, everyone, for joining me and praying with me today. I look forward to continuing this journey with you again tomorrow.” (Franciscan Friar 2, 13:45)
• The repeated call for Mary’s intercession:
  • “Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death.” (Throughout)
• The encouragement to keep going:
  • “Poco a poco, friends. God bless you all.” (Franciscan Friar 3, 13:51)
    ("Poco a poco" means "little by little" in Spanish, echoing the podcast's invitation to steady, incremental spiritual growth.)

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | Description | |------------|----------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:04 | Introduction by Fr. Mark-Mary Ames | Setting the purpose of Rosary meditation and invitation to daily habit | | 00:58 | Fifth Sorrowful Mystery: Crucifixion | Begins with the recitation of the decade focusing on the Crucifixion | | 05:12 | First Glorious Mystery: Resurrection | Meditation and prayers on the Resurrection | | 09:26 | Second Glorious Mystery: Ascension | Meditation and prayers on the Ascension | | 13:44 | Closing Blessing and Encouragement | Fr. Mark-Mary thanks listeners and blesses them for their faithfulness |

Tone and Language

• The episode maintains a reverent, gentle, and inviting tone, with frequent collective prayer and encouragement to grow "poco a poco" (little by little).
• The language is rooted in Catholic tradition and the prayer formulas of the Rosary, making the episode ideal for meditation and participation.

Summary

This episode is a faithful recitation of central Christian mysteries, inviting the listener not only into repetition of prayer but into deeper meditation on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The format is contemplative, gentle, and supportive, providing participants with structure and encouragement along their spiritual journey. The core message: keep going little by little—steadfast prayer will transform your relationship with God and with Mary.