The Rosary in a Year (with Fr. Mark-Mary Ames)
Day 364: The Sorrowful Mysteries
Date: December 30, 2025
Host: Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR, with participation from other Franciscan Friars and community members
Podcast by: Ascension
Episode Overview
This episode marks Day 364 of the Rosary in a Year journey, in which Fr. Mark-Mary Ames guides the faithful through the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary. Through prayerful meditation and brief reflections on each mystery, listeners are drawn deeper into the suffering love of Christ, the faithfulness of Mary, and the invitation to persevere in prayer. The episode weaves together scripture, contemplative prompts, and practical guidance for bringing one’s sorrows and intentions to God through the Rosary.
Key Discussion Points and Meditation Highlights
Introduction
- The episode begins with the Sign of the Cross, the Apostles' Creed, and introductory prayers for the Holy Father's intentions and the gifts of faith, hope, and charity.
Timestamps: Opening Prayers begin at [00:56].
The First Sorrowful Mystery: The Agony in the Garden
Reflection:
- Fr. Mark-Mary emphasizes that Jesus models for us what to do in sorrow—not to isolate, but to bring sorrows and difficulties to the Father in prayer.
“If there's anything we're having sorrow in or difficulty in, like let's not let it lead us to isolation, to a place of trying to do it all by ourselves. But first and foremost, can we bring it to our Father as Jesus does?”
—Fr. Mark-Mary, [03:24]
Proceeding Prayers:
- Our Father, followed by ten Hail Marys and the concluding prayers.
The Second Sorrowful Mystery: The Scourging at the Pillar
Reflection:
- The mystery is presented as an opportunity to contemplate both the reality of sin and the depth of Christ’s love—reminding listeners of their precious value, revealed in Jesus’s suffering.
“Jesus in his passion and his scourging is a sure sign of his love for us. He underwent such evil because of love—love of his Father and because he sees something good in us, something that he desires to save, something that he desires to be with for eternity.”
—Fr. Mark-Mary, [07:58 – 08:22]
Proceeding Prayers:
- Our Father, ten Hail Marys, Glory Be, and the Fatima Prayer.
The Third Sorrowful Mystery: The Crowning with Thorns
Reflection and Contemplative Prompt:
- Fr. Mark-Mary invites listeners to use their imagination or recall sacred art of Jesus crowned with thorns. Rather than shrinking away from this scene of mockery and suffering, he prompts listeners to spiritually approach Jesus and profess their love and loyalty.
“I’ll invite you to kneel before our Lord, crowned with thorns, to seek his eyes and to whisper to him... You are my king. You are Lord. I love you. Thank you, Jesus.”
—Fr. Mark-Mary, [13:08 – 13:51]
Proceeding Prayers:
- Our Father, ten Hail Marys, Glory Be, and the Fatima Prayer.
The Fourth Sorrowful Mystery: The Carrying of the Cross
Reflection:
- The recurring theme of perseverance in prayer is linked to the perseverance of Jesus as he carries the cross. Listeners are reminded that Christ sought each of us, step by laborious step, out of love, and that our own perseverance in prayer responds to this prior love.
“Look how Jesus perseveres in choosing us... Behold how your Lord and God has pursued you. Behold how your Lord and God has fought for you.”
—Fr. Mark-Mary, [18:14 – 19:44]
Proceeding Prayers:
- Our Father, ten Hail Marys, Glory Be, and the Fatima Prayer.
The Fifth Sorrowful Mystery: The Crucifixion
Reflection and Invitation:
- Fr. Mark-Mary meditates on Jesus’s final moments, highlighting the words Jesus speaks to Mary (“Woman, behold your son”) and to the disciple (“Behold your mother”), extending this motherly care of Mary to all the faithful.
“Jesus, crucified on the cross, looks down, beholds his mother and beholds his beloved disciple... Let us take Mary into our home. Let us love her and honor her in obedience to Jesus’ desire expressed on the cross.”
—Fr. Mark-Mary, [23:25 – 24:46] - He assures listeners that Mary cares for each of us as children in accordance with Jesus’s will.
Proceeding Prayers:
- Our Father, ten Hail Marys, Glory Be, and concluding Fatima Prayer.
Closing Prayers and Final Blessing
- The traditional closing prayers of the Rosary are offered, including the Hail Holy Queen and the concluding Rosary prayer.
Notable Line:“Thanks so much for joining me and praying with me today. I look forward to continuing this journey with you again tomorrow. Poco a poco, friends. God bless y’all.”
—Fr. Mark-Mary, [29:56 – 30:04]
Memorable Quotes
-
On Dealing with Sorrow:
“Jesus doesn’t just try and do it all by himself. Instead, he comes to the Father, expressing his heart to him and trusting in him.”
—Fr. Mark-Mary, [03:24] -
On the Meaning of the Scourging:
“He underwent such evil because of love—love of his Father and because he sees something good in us.”
—Fr. Mark-Mary, [08:15] -
A Personal Prayer in Suffering:
“You are my king. You are my Lord. I love you. Thank you, Jesus.”
—Fr. Mark-Mary, [13:33 – 13:51] -
On Jesus’s Perseverance:
“Behold how your Lord and God has pursued you. Behold how your Lord and God has fought for you.”
—Fr. Mark-Mary, [19:19 – 19:44] -
On Mary’s Care:
“Let us take Mary into our home. Let us love her and honor her in obedience to Jesus’ desire expressed on the cross.”
—Fr. Mark-Mary, [24:43 – 24:53]
Timestamps for Major Segments
- Opening and Introductory Prayers: [00:56]
- 1st Sorrowful Mystery – Agony in the Garden: [03:18]
- 2nd Sorrowful Mystery – Scourging at the Pillar: [07:40]
- 3rd Sorrowful Mystery – Crowning with Thorns: [12:20]
- 4th Sorrowful Mystery – Carrying of the Cross: [17:34]
- 5th Sorrowful Mystery – Crucifixion: [23:25]
- Concluding Prayers and Blessing: [28:36 – 30:04]
Tone and Style
- Gentle, prayerful, reflective, and encouraging.
- Directs listeners toward meditative prayer and fosters intimacy with Jesus and Mary.
- Invites personal relationship with God and practical perseverance in daily spiritual life.
Summary Takeaway
Day 364 of The Rosary in a Year podcast centers on the Sorrowful Mysteries, inviting listeners to meditate deeply on Christ’s suffering love, the comfort of Mary’s presence, and the call to perseverance in prayer. Through scriptural reflection, imaginative contemplation, and heartfelt prayer, Fr. Mark-Mary Ames offers a profound encounter with the core of the Christian mystery—Christ crucified and resurrected out of love for us all.