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

Day 343: The Sorrowful Mysteries

Date: December 9, 2025
Host/Leader: Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR, with Fr. Mike Schmitz and others
Podcast: The Rosary in a Year (Ascension)

Overview

In Day 343, Fr. Mark-Mary Ames leads listeners through prayer and meditation on the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary. The episode guides faithful participation in Marian devotion, using each mystery to draw listeners deeper into the passion of Christ and the loving intercessory presence of Mary. The reflections emphasize perseverance in suffering, unwavering trust, hope amid humiliation, the endurance of crosses, and Christ’s overwhelming mercy.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Opening Prayers and Intentions

[00:47]

• The episode starts with the Sign of the Cross and the Apostles’ Creed, inviting prayer for the Holy Father and for an increase in faith, hope, and charity.
• Standard Rosary prayers: Our Father, Hail Marys, and Glory Be.

1. The Agony in the Garden

[03:10]

• Reflection: Jesus’ prayer in the garden is an act of trust. Even facing suffering and death, Jesus turns to the Father.
• Insight: We are invited to imitate Christ’s trust:

  “This trust of Jesus can inspire us to also always bring our suffering to the Father.”
  (Fr. Mark-Mary, 03:45)

• Encouragement: Carry our sufferings as beloved children of God, trusting as Jesus did.

2. The Scourging at the Pillar

[07:43]

• Reflection: The pain Jesus endured fulfills Simeon’s prophecy to Mary:

  “At the suffering of her Son, a sword would pierce her own heart.”
  (Fr. Mike Schmitz, 08:07)

• Insight: Contemplate through Mary's eyes—her sorrow draws us to sorrow for our own sins, which cause such suffering.
• Encouragement: Allow this mystery to open our hearts to genuine contrition.

3. The Crowning with Thorns

[12:21]

• Reflection: Jesus is mocked and crowned with thorns, his dignity attacked—the devil tries the same with us.
• Insight:

  “The devil attacks us, mocks us, trying to undercut and deny our dignity… even suggest that we are too sinful for God’s love.”
  (Fr. Mark-Mary, 12:33; 12:41)

• Encouragement: Meditating on this mystery offers hope, helping us resist lies about our unworthiness and root ourselves in divine filiation:

  “Remain rooted in our dignity and identity as beloved sons and daughters of the best of fathers.”
  (Fr. Mark-Mary, 13:16)

4. The Carrying of the Cross

[16:59]

• Reflection: Jesus accepts his cross “for the entirety of the journey”—not a quick yes, but enduring perseverance.
• Insight:

  “Jesus shows us the model, the example of patience, of perseverance, of long suffering.”
  (Fr. Mark-Mary, 17:24)

• Encouragement:

  “May we be encouraged in our daily yes... by the endurance and the long suffering we encounter in Jesus carrying the cross.”
  (Fr. Mike Schmitz, 17:55–17:58)

• Application: Pray for strength when facing our own heavy burdens.

5. The Crucifixion

[21:47]

• Reflection: Even as he dies, Jesus prays for his persecutors:

  “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
  (Fr. Mike Schmitz, 22:06)

• Insight:

  “Jesus’ incredible love to ask for forgiveness for the people who have harmed him and hurt him.”
  (Fr. Mark-Mary, 22:12)

• Encouragement: Hold before us the radical mercy of Jesus, striving to imitate it in our own lives.

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• “Prayer—even in the face of great suffering—is this movement of trust in the Son.”
  (Fr. Mike Schmitz, 03:31)
• “May our hearts be open to experiencing her own sorrow and a deeper contrition for the cause of this suffering: our own sin.”
  (Fr. Mark-Mary, 08:30–08:34)
• “Through the grace of the Holy Spirit, remain rooted in our dignity and identity as beloved sons and daughters.”
  (Fr. Mark-Mary, 13:11–13:16)
• “It’s not a short quick yes, but an enduring and persevering yes.”
  (Fr. Mark-Mary, 17:04–17:18)
• “Jesus, incredible love to ask for forgiveness for the people who have harmed him and hurt him.”
  (Fr. Mark-Mary, 22:12)

Timestamps for Each Mystery

• Opening Prayers & Intentions: 00:47–03:10
• 1st Sorrowful Mystery – Agony in the Garden: 03:10–07:43
• 2nd Sorrowful Mystery – Scourging at the Pillar: 07:43–12:21
• 3rd Sorrowful Mystery – Crowning with Thorns: 12:21–16:59
• 4th Sorrowful Mystery – Carrying of the Cross: 16:59–21:47
• 5th Sorrowful Mystery – Crucifixion: 21:47–26:11
• Closing Prayers: 26:11–27:18

Conclusion

Fr. Mark-Mary Ames and Fr. Mike Schmitz guide listeners to meditate deeply on Christ’s suffering, emphasizing trust, sorrow for sin, hope in divine dignity, perseverance in trials, and transformative mercy. Each mystery is both a prayer and a lesson, inviting us to imitate Jesus and Mary in our own journeys.

Final Blessing:
“God bless y’all.” (Fr. Mark-Mary, 27:18)