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

Episode: Day 326: The Sorrowful Mysteries
Date: November 22, 2025
Host: Ascension, with Fr. Mike Schmitz leading this episode

Episode Overview

In this meditative episode, listeners are led through the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary, one of the core components of Marian devotion. Guided by Fr. Mike Schmitz and other prayer leaders, the episode offers a contemplative prayer journey focused on the Passion of Jesus. Through communal prayer, the episode aims to deepen the listener's relationship with Jesus and Mary, providing a source of grace for the world. Each mystery is introduced by name, followed by the traditional recitation of prayers.

Key Discussion Points & Structure

1. Opening and Introduction (01:03–01:10)

• The episode opens with a brief greeting and an invitation to pray the Sorrowful Mysteries.
• "Today we will be praying the Sorrowful Mysteries. Let's begin."
  — Fr. Mike Schmitz (01:03)

2. Praying the Sorrowful Mysteries

First Sorrowful Mystery: The Agony in the Garden (01:12–04:48)

• Introduction of the first mystery: “The first sorrowful Mystery is the Agony in the Garden.” (01:12)
• Prayers recited:
  • Our Father
  • 10 Hail Marys
  • Glory Be
  • Fatima Prayer ("O my Jesus, forgive us our sins...")

Second Sorrowful Mystery: The Scourging at the Pillar (04:48–08:26)

• Announced by Fr. Mike Schmitz:
  "The second sorrowful mystery is the scourging at the pillar." (04:48)
• Same prayer structure as above for all decades.

Third Sorrowful Mystery: The Crowning with Thorns (08:26–12:07)

• Announced by Fr. Mike Schmitz:
  "The third sorrowful mystery is the crowning with thorns." (08:26)
• Cycle of prayers continues.

Fourth Sorrowful Mystery: The Carrying of the Cross (12:07–15:44)

• Announced by Fr. Mike Schmitz:
  "The fourth sorrowful mystery is the carrying of the cross." (12:07)
• Decade prayers as in previous mysteries.

Fifth Sorrowful Mystery: The Crucifixion (15:44–19:27)

• Announced by Fr. Mike Schmitz:
  "The fifth sorrowful mystery is the crucifixion." (15:44)
• Final decade is recited.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Consistency of Devotion:
  “Thanks, everyone, for joining me and praying with me today. I look forward to continuing this journey.”
  — Fr. Mike Schmitz (19:31)

• Encouragement for Listeners:
  “Poco a poco, friends. God bless y' all.”
  — Fr. Mike Schmitz (19:42)

• Intention for All in Prayer:
  “And lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy.”
  — Fr. Mike Schmitz (Repeated at the end of each decade, e.g., 04:48, 08:26, 12:07, 15:44, 19:27)

Segment Timestamps & Breakdown

| Segment | Timestamp | |---------------------------------------------|-------------| | Opening & Introduction | 01:03–01:10 | | 1st Sorrowful Mystery: Agony in the Garden | 01:12–04:48 | | 2nd Sorrowful Mystery: Scourging at Pillar | 04:48–08:26 | | 3rd Sorrowful Mystery: Crowning with Thorns | 08:26–12:07 | | 4th Sorrowful Mystery: Carrying the Cross | 12:07–15:44 | | 5th Sorrowful Mystery: Crucifixion | 15:44–19:27 | | Final Blessing / Closing words | 19:31–19:44 |

Tone and Style

• The tone is reverent, calm, and invitational, mirroring the spirit of meditative group prayer.
• The language is straightforward, focused on the succession of traditional Catholic prayers, with simple, encouraging commentary from Fr. Mike Schmitz.

Summary for New Listeners

This episode is a guided recitation of the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary. Listeners are gently led through each mystery with clear, rhythmic prayer, allowing space for meditation on Christ’s Passion and Mary’s sorrow. The episode’s simplicity makes it accessible to both new and seasoned pray-ers, aiming to help integrate the Rosary into daily spiritual life. The regular invocation for God’s mercy and the encouragement to “keep going” foster a sense of continuity and devotion.

For more information or to follow the full year-long prayer plan, visit:
https://ascensionpress.com/riy