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

Episode: Day 330 – The Sorrowful Mysteries
Date: November 26, 2025
Host: Ascension
Featured Friars: Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, Fr. Mike Schmitz, Friar Thomas, Friar Francis, Friar John, Friar Luke, Friar Paul, Friar Peter

Overview of the Episode

On Day 330 of "The Rosary in a Year," Fr. Mark-Mary Ames and several Franciscan Friars lead listeners in prayerful meditation on the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary. The episode continues the podcast’s daily rhythm of building a habit of prayer and deepening the spiritual life of listeners through the powerful Marian devotion of the Rosary.

Main Purpose:
To guide listeners through a communal, meditative praying of the Sorrowful Mysteries, fostering a deeper relationship with Jesus and Mary and inviting them to offer prayers as a source of grace for the world.

Key Discussion Points & Prayer Segments

1. Welcome and Introduction

Timestamps: 00:00 – 01:01

• Fr. Mark-Mary and the friars introduce themselves and welcome listeners.
• A brief thank you is extended to supporters and an invitation for others to help financially, underscoring community and mission.
• Instructions are given for accessing resources and full Rosary recordings (Ascension app, prayer plan).
• Quote (Fr. Mark-Mary, 00:33):
  “On behalf of myself and the whole team here at Ascension, we wanted to take this opportunity to thank everyone who's helped support this podcast financially. Your generosity is so appreciated and helps us to reach as many people as possible.”

2. Praying the Sorrowful Mysteries

Timestamps: 01:01 – 19:06

Each mystery is introduced, followed by a communal recitation of the Our Father, ten Hail Marys, the Glory Be, and the Fatima Prayer (“O my Jesus, forgive us our sins…”).

First Sorrowful Mystery: The Agony in the Garden

(01:10 – 04:43)

• Focus: Jesus’ anguish and submission to the Father’s will in Gethsemane.
• Quote (Intro, Friar Francis, 01:10):
  “The first sorrowful mystery is the agony in the Garden.”

Second Sorrowful Mystery: The Scourging at the Pillar

(04:43 – 08:13)

• Focus: The suffering of Jesus, emphasizing his self-gift and endurance for the world's sake.
• Quote (Intro, Fr. Mike Schmitz, 04:43):
  “The second sorrowful mystery is the scourging at the pillar.”

Third Sorrowful Mystery: The Crowning with Thorns

(08:13 – 11:46)

• Focus: Jesus’ humility and dignity amid humiliation.
• Quote (Intro, Friar Francis, 08:13):
  “The third sorrowful mystery is the crowning with thorns.”

Fourth Sorrowful Mystery: The Carrying of the Cross

(11:57 – 15:23)

• Focus: The endurance and love of Christ throughout His journey to Calvary, and our call to share sufferings with Him.
• Quote (Intro, Friar Francis, 11:57):
  “The fourth sorrowful mystery is the carrying of the cross.”

Fifth Sorrowful Mystery: The Crucifixion

(15:23 – 19:06)

• Focus: Jesus' ultimate act of love in His death on the cross for humanity’s redemption.
• Quote (Intro, Fr. Mike Schmitz, 15:23):
  “The fifth sorrowful mystery is the crucifixion.”

3. Closing Blessing and Farewells

Timestamps: 19:06 – 19:19

• The Rosary concludes with the Sign of the Cross.
• Expressions of gratitude and blessings from the friars, reaffirming companionship on the spiritual journey.
• Quote (Fr. Mike Schmitz, 19:11):
  “Amen. All right, thanks, everybody, for joining me and praying with me today.”
• Quote (Friar Thomas, 19:14):
  “I look forward to continuing this journey with you again tomorrow.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Fr. Mark-Mary (00:33):
  "The best place to listen to the Podcast in the Ascension app...special features built just for this podcast and also recordings of the full rosary with myself and other friars."
• Fr. Mike Schmitz (04:23, recurring):
  “Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.”
• Friar Francis (04:33, recurring):
  “O 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.”
• Friar Peter (19:18):
  “Poco, Poco.” ("Little by little," emphasizing a gentle, persistent growth in spiritual life.)

Important Timestamps

• 00:00 – 01:01: Welcome, introduction, resources, and thanks
• 01:10 – 04:43: First Sorrowful Mystery: Agony in the Garden
• 04:43 – 08:13: Second Sorrowful Mystery: Scourging at the Pillar
• 08:13 – 11:46: Third Sorrowful Mystery: Crowning with Thorns
• 11:57 – 15:23: Fourth Sorrowful Mystery: Carrying of the Cross
• 15:23 – 19:06: Fifth Sorrowful Mystery: The Crucifixion
• 19:06 – 19:19: Closing prayer and blessing

Tone and Atmosphere

The episode is reverent, contemplative, and communal. Prayers are recited in a gentle, meditative pace, with a clear sense of fraternity among the friars and an open invitation for everyone to join, regardless of where they are in their prayer journey.

Summary for New Listeners

This episode invites listeners into the heart of the Sorrowful Mysteries, focusing on Christ’s passion and Mary’s compassion. It’s both a spiritual exercise and a devotional touchstone, blending scripture, tradition, and fellowship. Listeners are encouraged to let the repetition of prayer deepen their relationship with God and to see their participation as part of a praying community that seeks grace for the world.