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

Episode: Day 287 — The Sorrowful and Glorious Mysteries

Date: October 14, 2025
Host: Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR (Franciscan Friars of the Renewal)
Podcast by: Ascension

Episode Overview

Main Theme:
This episode guides listeners through the completion of the Sorrowful Mysteries and begins the Glorious Mysteries by praying the Rosary together. Fr. Mark-Mary Ames emphasizes the transformative power of the Rosary in deepening one’s relationship with Jesus and Mary, encouraging the development of a daily prayer habit that becomes a fount of grace for the world.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Structure of Today’s Prayer (01:02)

• Fr. Mark-Mary outlines the plan for the episode: finishing the Sorrowful Mysteries and praying the First Glorious Mystery.
  • Sorrowful Mysteries covered:
    • Third Sorrowful: The Crowning with Thorns
    • Fourth Sorrowful: The Carrying of the Cross
    • Fifth Sorrowful: The Crucifixion
  • Transition to: First Glorious Mystery: The Resurrection

Quote:
"Today we will be concluding the Sorrowful Mysteries and then we will pray the First Glorious Mystery."
— Fr. Mark-Mary (01:02)

2. Praying the Rosary — A Guided Communal Experience

The Third Sorrowful Mystery: The Crowning with Thorns (01:24–05:07)

• The group recites the traditional prayers: Our Father, ten Hail Marys, the Glory Be, and the Fatima prayer.
• The repetitive structure fosters meditation on Jesus’ suffering and Mary’s intercession.

Memorable Line:
"Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death."
— Multiple Respondents (Recurring throughout the prayers)

The Fourth Sorrowful Mystery: The Carrying of the Cross (05:07–08:57)

• Fr. Mark-Mary leads the reflection, emphasizing perseverance through hardship.
• The prayers act as a communal reflection on Christ’s endurance and the call to join in carrying the Cross.

The Fifth Sorrowful Mystery: The Crucifixion (08:57–12:53)

• Participants pray through the events of the Crucifixion, honoring Christ’s ultimate sacrifice.
• The meditative, rhythmic recitation accompanied by subtle variations in the voices deepens engagement.

Quote:
"O my Jesus, forgive us our sins. Save us from the fires of hell. Lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy."
— Fr. Mark-Mary (12:45)

3. Transition to the Glorious Mysteries

The First Glorious Mystery: The Resurrection (12:57–16:36)

• The group begins the first decade reflecting on the Resurrection, shifting from sorrow to the hope and joy found in Christ’s victory over death.
• The sequence of prayers is consistent, supporting meditative contemplation on Jesus’ triumph.

Notable Moment:
The pace and tone transition subtly, reflecting the joy and triumph of the Resurrection after the somber reflection on the Passion.

4. Closing and Encouragement (16:37–16:58)

• The episode concludes with the Sign of the Cross and a word of gratitude from Fr. Mark-Mary.
• He reaffirms community, continuity, and blessing, reminding listeners of the ongoing journey.

Quote:
"All right, thanks, everybody, 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 y'all."
— Fr. Mark-Mary (16:56)

Notable Quotes and Timestamps

• "Today we will be concluding the Sorrowful Mysteries and then we will pray the First Glorious Mystery." (Fr. Mark-Mary, 01:02)
• "O my Jesus, forgive us our sins. Save us from the fires of hell. Lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy." (12:45, 16:37)
• "All right, thanks, everybody, for joining me and praying with me again today... Poco a poco, friends. God bless y'all." (16:56)

Important Timestamps

• Prayers Introduction and Structure: 01:01–01:22
• Crowning with Thorns (3rd Sorrowful Mystery): 01:24–05:07
• Carrying of the Cross (4th Sorrowful Mystery): 05:07–08:57
• Crucifixion (5th Sorrowful Mystery): 08:57–12:53
• The Resurrection (1st Glorious Mystery): 12:57–16:36
• Closing Remarks and Blessing: 16:37–16:58

Tone and Style

• Calm, meditative, invitational: The episode maintains a reflective and reverent tone, inviting communal participation.
• Gentle encouragement: Fr. Mark-Mary’s closing remarks emphasize continual growth and communal support in prayer.

Summary

This episode is a contemplative journey through the final Sorrowful Mysteries and the first Glorious Mystery. Through reverent recitation, Fr. Mark-Mary and participants draw listeners deeper into the heart of the Rosary, fostering a prayerful connection with Jesus and Mary. Listeners are encouraged to continue this daily spiritual habit, with a reminder that perseverance—“poco a poco” (little by little)—leads to transformation and grace.