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

Episode: Day 297 — The Sorrowful and Glorious Mysteries

Date: October 24, 2025

Host: Ascension | Main Voices: Fr. Mike Schmitz, Br. Francis, Prayer Participants

Episode Overview

This episode of The Rosary in a Year guides listeners through the prayer and meditation of the latter Sorrowful Mysteries (Crowning with Thorns, Carrying of the Cross, Crucifixion) and transitions into the first Glorious Mystery (Resurrection). Led by a team of friars, the episode invites participants to enter more deeply into the life of Christ and Mary through contemplative recitation of the Rosary, fostering daily prayer habits and a stronger spiritual connection.

Key Discussion Points & Structure

Note: This episode is almost entirely prayerful meditation rather than verbal discussion. The structure and rhythm of the Rosary, with brief guidance by the leaders, is the central focus.

1. Introduction to the Day’s Rosary ([00:00]–[00:59])

• Fr. Mike and Br. Francis introduce the day's journey, setting the spiritual tone and encouraging listeners to build consistency in prayer.
• Reference to resources, prayer guides, and benefits of using the Ascension app and guidebook.
• Quote:

  "The Rosary brings us deeper into relationship with Jesus and Mary and becomes a source of grace for the whole world."
  — Br. Francis ([00:09])

2. Praying the Sorrowful Mysteries (Parts 3–5) ([00:59]–[12:37])

Third Sorrowful Mystery: Crowning with Thorns ([01:18]–[05:00])

• Traditional Rosary prayers: Our Father, ten Hail Marys, Glory Be, Fatima Prayer.
• Intention: Meditation on Christ’s suffering and humility.
• Repetitive, rhythmic invocation for reflection on Christ's endurance.

Fourth Sorrowful Mystery: Carrying of the Cross ([05:00]–[08:47])

• Progression through the mystery with prayers, emphasizing perseverance and courage amid hardship.
• Collective participation sustaining the rhythm of community prayer.

Fifth Sorrowful Mystery: The Crucifixion ([08:47]–[12:37])

• Focus on Christ's sacrifice.
• Tone is solemn, inviting the listener to contemplate the depth of divine love and forgiveness.
• Closing with Glory Be and Fatima Prayer.
• Notable recurring prayer:

  "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. Mike Schmitz & Prayer Participants ([04:53]; repeated each decade)

3. The First Glorious Mystery: The Resurrection ([12:40]–[16:21])

• The episode transitions from sorrow to hope.
• Prayers reflect on the joy and triumph of Christ’s Resurrection—centerpiece of Christian faith and Marian devotion.
• Encourages meditation on new life, hope, and the promise of salvation.

4. Concluding Blessings and Encouragement ([16:21]–[16:37])

• A gentle, communal closing—gratitude for prayerful participation and encouragement to continue the Rosary journey.
• Quote:

  "Thanks so much for joining me and praying with me again today. I look forward to continuing this journey with you again tomorrow. Poco a poco."
  — Fr. Mike Schmitz ([16:28])

• “Friends, God bless y’all.”
  — Prayer Participant 1 ([16:35])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Rosary’s Impact:

  "The Rosary brings us deeper into relationship with Jesus and Mary..."
  — Br. Francis ([00:09])

• On Intercessory Prayer:

  "Lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy."
  — Multiple Voices (Concluding each decade)

• Words of Encouragement:

  “Thanks so much for joining me and praying with me again today. ... Poco a poco.”
  — Fr. Mike Schmitz ([16:28])

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Introduction & Opening — [00:00]–[00:59]
• Third Sorrowful Mystery: Crowning with Thorns — [01:18]–[05:00]
• Fourth Sorrowful Mystery: Carrying of the Cross — [05:00]–[08:47]
• Fifth Sorrowful Mystery: Crucifixion — [08:47]–[12:37]
• First Glorious Mystery: Resurrection — [12:40]–[16:21]
• Conclusion & Blessing — [16:21]–[16:37]

Tone & Experience

The episode maintains a meditative, reverent, and community-centered tone, gently guiding listeners through profound mysteries of faith. There is a calm, repetitive rhythm in the prayers, mirroring the contemplative pace of the Rosary. Occasional personal encouragements from the friars reinforce the inviting and nurturing atmosphere.

Summary for New Listeners

If you haven’t heard this episode, you can expect a sincere, deeply spiritual prayer experience with the Sorrowful and Glorious Mysteries as the focus. The friars offer not just recitation, but also presence and encouragement, making this a resource for anyone seeking to grow in prayerful habit and Marian devotion, regardless of spiritual background or experience.