Podcast Summary: The Rosary in a Year (with Fr. Mark-Mary Ames)
Episode: Day 4: Prayer With Mary
Date: January 4, 2026
Host: Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR / Ascension
Main Theme: Embracing Prayer in Relationship with Mary, Mirror of Justice
Episode Overview
In this episode, Fr. Mark-Mary Ames explores what it means to pray with Mary, particularly under the title "Mirror of Justice" from the Litany of Loretto. Through biblical reflection, personal anecdotes, and practical guidance, listeners are invited to deepen their relationship with Mary and, through her, experience more profoundly the love and presence of Jesus. The episode aims to help listeners form a habit of prayer that is relational, meditative, and transformative.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
Introducing the “Mirror of Justice” (Litany of Loretto)
[00:30 - 04:30]
- Fr. Mark-Mary introduces the Litany of Loretto and explains "Mirror of Justice" as a Marian title.
- Cites Malachi 4:2, emphasizing that Mary reflects the “sun of righteousness”—Jesus—rather than being the source.
- “Mary’s not the source of light, but she perfectly reflects the light.” (Fr. Mark-Mary, 03:18)
- By contemplating Mary, we encounter both her own love and the love she mirrors from God.
Jesus’ Life with Mary: The Hidden Years
[04:31 - 07:30]
- Fr. Mark-Mary recounts how Jesus endured much suffering, particularly in his public ministry and Passion, but also lived thirty hidden years in a loving relationship with Mary.
- “For three decades he lived in the most beautiful relationship with his most beautiful and loving mother.” (Fr. Mark-Mary, 06:14)
- Mary mirrored to Jesus the Father's love before it was ever proclaimed at his baptism. Her presence and motherly affirmation—“you are beloved”—was constant and formative.
- This sustaining love accompanied Jesus into ministry and even to the Cross, where Mary stood by him.
The Homecoming Quality of Mary’s Love
[07:31 - 09:08]
- Shares a touching anecdote: a mother’s day note in which a 14-year-old boy writes, “Your voice sounds like home.”
- Applies this to Mary: “To Jesus, Mary’s voice sounds like home.”
- Fr. Mark-Mary draws a parallel to the moment at the Cross where Jesus entrusts Mary to John and John to Mary (John 19:26-27), inviting listeners to “take Mary into your home.”
Living Relationship: Beyond Statues
[09:09 - 10:13]
- Mary is not just a passive figure but an active, living presence in John’s life (and ours)—offering counsel, comfort, prayer, and encouragement.
- “Mary wasn't just a statue, right? She wasn't just a wallflower… She’s a living, breathing, loving mother.” (Fr. Mark-Mary, 09:40)
- Her role is both to mirror and to mother God’s love to us.
A Real-Life Example: Mothering in the Everyday
[10:14 - 11:00]
- Recounts an encounter with a Guatemalan mother and her teenage son at a Bronx post office.
- The mother showers her son with love despite his teenage angst and appearance, causing even others around to see his belovedness.
- “Somehow her rejoicing in him made us see his belovedness as well. This is the power of a mother’s love.” (Fr. Mark-Mary, 10:19)
Practical Invitation: Encountering Mary in Prayer
[11:01 - 12:14]
- Fr. Mark-Mary encourages listeners to ask for the grace to experience Mary’s loving gaze in prayer.
- Suggestions:
- Use Marian images, icons, or imagination to place oneself in Mary’s presence.
- Notice how she looks upon you—her delight, excitement, and pride.
- “Notice how she delights in you. Notice how she’s excited to be with you, how she’s proud of you.” (Fr. Mark-Mary, 10:25)
The Logic of Specific Prayer
[12:15 - 12:40]
- Cites the Catechism: Though we’re called to pray at all times, we need specific times of prayer to nurture this relationship.
- “We’re not going to experience this, like, at work or at school or at the post office if we don’t first learn to experience this in our prayer.” (Fr. Mark-Mary, 11:18)
Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments
- “Mary’s not the source of light, but she perfectly reflects the light.” (03:18)
- “For three decades he lived in the most beautiful relationship with his most beautiful and loving mother.” (06:14)
- “To Jesus, Mary’s voice sounds like home.” (08:00)
- “Mary wasn't just a statue, right?... She’s a living, breathing, loving mother.” (09:40)
- “Your voice sounds like home.” (14-year-old boy’s letter; 07:45)
- “Somehow her rejoicing in him made us see his belovedness as well. This is the power of a mother’s love.” (10:19)
- “Notice how she delights in you…how she’s proud of you.” (10:25)
- “Primary prayer for you and for me during this Rosary in a Year journey… is for us to learn to experience this in prayer, particularly our praying with the Rosary, so that we can also experience this as we go about our daily lives.” (12:00)
Timestamps for Important Segments
- 00:30 – Introduction of Litany of Loretto and “Mirror of Justice”
- 03:18 – Mary’s role as Mirror of God’s Light
- 06:14 – Jesus’ years in Nazareth: The formative relationship with Mary
- 07:45 – “Your voice sounds like home”: story on the experience of Mary’s love for Jesus
- 08:50 – Invitation: Take Mary into your home
- 09:40 – Mary as living, breathing, loving mother for John (and us)
- 10:25 – Practical application: Encountering Mary’s delight in us during prayer
- 11:18 – The logic and importance of setting aside specific prayer times with Mary and Jesus
- 12:15 – End – Guided prayer with Our Father, Hail Marys, and Glory Be
Practical Takeaway
- Approach prayer not as a task, but as an encounter with a living, loving Mother who looks upon you with God’s own affection.
- Try praying today by visualizing Mary’s presence—her joy and affection for you. Let her “voice sound like home.”
- Commit to specific daily moments for prayer, particularly the Rosary, allowing this Marian encounter to shape how you experience God’s love throughout life’s journey.
Fr. Mark-Mary closes by inviting everyone to continue the journey “poco a poco”—little by little—reminding listeners that prayer, devotion, and relationship with Mary grow gradually through faithful, small steps.