Podcast Summary: The Rosary in a Year – Day 90: Consoling Mother

Host: Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR
Published by: Ascension
Release Date: March 31, 2025

Introduction to Day 90: Consoling Mother

In the 90th episode of Ascension’s Rosary in a Year podcast, Fr. Mark-Mary Ames leads listeners through a profound meditation on the Second Joyful Mystery of the Rosary: the Visitation. This episode delves deep into the spiritual significance of Mary’s journey to visit her cousin Elizabeth, offering listeners insights into building a daily prayer habit and fostering a closer relationship with Jesus and Mary.

Exploring Saint Alphonsus Liguori

Fr. Mark-Mary begins by introducing Saint Alphonsus Liguori, the esteemed author of today’s reflection, titled On the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin. Born in 1696, Saint Alphonsus was a remarkable figure known for his legal acumen, obtaining degrees in Civil and Canon Law by age 16 and winning all his cases for eight years. Eventually, he answered the call to priesthood, founding the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer at age 36.

Notably, Saint Alphonsus is revered as the Patron Saint of Confessors and Moral Theologians and is affectionately known as the Doctor of Prayer and Marian Doctor of the Church. Fr. Mark-Mary highlights a key quote from Saint Alphonsus:

“He who prays is saved. Those who do not pray are certainly damned.” (12:45)

This powerful statement underscores the vital role of prayer in the Christian life, a theme that resonates throughout the episode.

Reflection on the Visitation

The heart of the episode centers on Saint Alphonsus Liguori’s writing, which Fr. Mark-Mary reads and meditates upon. The narrative recounts Mary’s arduous journey of 70 miles to Hebron to visit Elizabeth, emphasizing Mary’s role as an instrument of charity and consolation.

Key Excerpts from Saint Alphonsus Liguori’s Writing:

Mary sets off to console a family, exemplifying her mission of exercising charity. When questioned about her swift and challenging journey, Mary responds:

“I am going, she replies, to do my office of exercising charity. I am going to console a family.” (07:30)

Upon arriving, Mary blesses Elizabeth, who is filled with the Holy Spirit and recognizes Mary as “blessed among women.” In a humble plea, Saint Alphonsus writes:

“O most Holy Mary, since you dispense so many favors to those who ask for them, I beseech you to impart to me your profound humility. ... Make me humble.” (25:15)

Fr. Mark-Mary interprets this interaction as an invitation for believers to model Elizabeth’s response, seeking Mary’s intercession to receive consolation and sanctification.

Practical Application: Embracing Mary’s Consoling Role

Fr. Mark-Mary draws parallels between everyday interactions and our spiritual dialogues with Mary. He likens Mary’s approach to that of a mother responding to her child’s needs, emphasizing her readiness to console and sanctify.

“The blessed Mother, our mother, she always loves when we come to her and say, hey, ... Come and sanctify us now.” (38:50)

He encourages listeners to adopt a similar posture in prayer, positioning themselves as the humble petitioner seeking Mary’s maternal care and intercession. This approach not only fosters a deeper connection with Mary but also aligns believers with her mission of spreading God’s grace.

Guided Prayer: Embracing Mary as Consoler and Sanctifier

Concluding the episode, Fr. Mark-Mary guides listeners through a decade of the Most Holy Rosary, focusing on personal poverty and the need for sanctification. He invites listeners to embody the humble petitions expressed in Saint Alphonsus’s prayer:

“Mary, full of grace, bring to me the Holy Spirit. Sanctify me.” (52:10)

The session culminates in a collective prayer, reinforcing the themes of humility, consolation, and sanctification through Mary’s intercession.

Conclusion

Day 90 of The Rosary in a Year podcast offers a rich exploration of the Visitation mystery, illuminated by the wisdom of Saint Alphonsus Liguori. Fr. Mark-Mary Ames adeptly bridges historical theology with contemporary spiritual practice, guiding listeners toward a more intimate and effective prayer life. By reflecting on Mary’s example of charity and humility, believers are inspired to seek her consoling presence and sanctifying grace in their daily lives.

Listeners are encouraged to continue their journey with the Rosary in a Year prayer plan, available at ascensionpress.com/riy, and to engage further with the Ascension app’s special features and resources.

Notable Quotes:

• “He who prays is saved. Those who do not pray are certainly damned.” – Saint Alphonsus Liguori (12:45)
• “I am going, she replies, to do my office of exercising charity. I am going to console a family.” – Saint Alphonsus Liguori (07:30)
• “Mary, full of grace, bring to me the Holy Spirit. Sanctify me.” – Fr. Mark-Mary Ames (52:10)

This episode is a testament to the transformative power of the Rosary in nurturing a deeper relationship with Jesus and Mary, encouraging listeners to embrace prayer as a pathway to holiness and a conduit of grace for the world.