‘Rosary’ beats Rogan: Is religious media becoming mainstream?

The number one podcast in the world to start the new year does not belong to Joe Rogan.

It doesn’t belong to Alex Cooper, Mel Robbins or anyone in the Kelce clan.

It belongs to Father Mark-Mary Ames of Ascension Press. Or, actually, as he told Fox Information Digital, it belongs to God.

in a time when Bible Sales Are Seeing a Surge Amid research suggesting that people are opting out of religiosity altogether, it is somewhat surprising that “The Rosary in a Year (with Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR)” has risen to No. 1 on Apple Podcasts to kick off the new year, holding that spot for three consecutive days before falling to a notable No. 2 on January 4.

Your humble host is the director of communications and director of Priestly Studies of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal (CFR), whose primary mission is “the unconditional embrace of Jesus Christ and his Holy Father, Saint Francis of Assisi.”

The author of “Habits for Holiness” sat down with Fox Information Digital in SEARCH25 DCa four-day event consisting of conference sessions, world-class Catholic speakers, music, mass and worship for anyone seeking their pillars of prayer, fellowship, inspiration and entertainment. There, he explained everything from what motivated him to live a virtuous life, what the rosary should really be, and how In fact feel for the success of your podcast.

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Father Mark-Mary Ames, who was born and raised in Orange County, California, in what he described as a “wealthy family,” said Mother Teresa inspired him to give up a life of privilege for service to others. .

“I heard there is a group of Franciscans in New York who are hardcore and sleep on the floor. I looked them up and read our constitutions, which is what we say it’s about, and I said, ‘If that’s true, that’s all I’m looking for.’ So I was a very, very regular child, on a regular path and then God made this happen.”

“I am made to give my life to the poorest of the poor,” he added. “The greatest and most profound experience of my life is what God has generously done. Therefore, there is nothing that I have left behind or sacrificed that has not been rewarded a hundredfold. It is in new and deeper ways.”

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Although it’s not the job he’s most proud of, the priest spoke with Fox Information Digital about how he passed the baton to Ascension Press hit alum Father Mike Schmitz for his podcast “Rosary in a 12 Months,” and described the rosary itself as “the great remedy for our time.”

“There is something specific that God wants to do through Mary and that also continues now. So, it’s interesting that Maria is also the one who keeps coming back,” he said. “I think the most important thing is (that) There seems to be some kind of special grace given by God to the Rosary when he wants to do some special work. And the rosary is what opens it. Open the door to grace.”

The rosary may be confusing and even intimidating to some, but the priest says it is actually “perfect.”

“Praying the rosary… is like physical therapy for the soul.”

— Father Mark-Mary Ames, CFR

“It took hundreds of years to develop to what it is, like a perfect prayer that has our way of receiving and approaching God,” he said. “But also, it’s really good for our humanity. We are everywhere. It is very difficult for us to concentrate and concentrate, and the human ability to concentrate on the concrete for an extended period of time is something like the foundation on which prayer is built. It’s going to be very difficult to hear God, to come to God, if you can’t pay attention at all. That’s why I think there is a part of praying the rosary, which is like physical therapy. the soul The content works the The concentration muscle is really atrophied.”

While his podcast serves to break down each of the Marian mysteries and the structure of this perfect prayer with palatability in mind, offering both seasoned meditators and newcomers the opportunity to understand it more deeply, Father Mark- Mary revealed that the devotion of the Rosary can actually be a personalized experience, contributing to its perfection.

“(Praying the rosary) It’s not really a commandment, but you do have to go to mass on Sunday,” he said, explaining the difference between devotional and liturgical prayer. “And so, within the devotional there are good things, very good. Whether it’s a good thing for you or not, there’s actually some room for you to make that decision within it. “There is a lot more room for customization.”

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The rosary expert even confessed that even he can lose concentration when praying it.

“A million percent,” he admitted. “And that’s something that…shouldn’t be controversial to people or discourage them. “This is my own journey because I want to do better and grow deeper.”

That was the true motivation (or calling, as he described it) that forced him to sign to present “The Rosary in a Year.”

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“I just try to be true to what’s in front of me. And if God wants to make this number one, wonderful. If he wants to do all kinds of wonderful things, that’s for him.”

Despite his success so far, the famous friar told Fox Information Digital that there are “more beautiful” things happening in the world that the media doesn’t highlight:

“There are so many people in my life who are doing things that are much more beautiful and moving than having a podcast at number one. “People just don’t know,” he said. “I am very grateful for the podcast, its popularity and it is a source of grace for people and helps them pray. (But) It’s not the hardest thing I do. It’s not the most honorable thing I do. And it’s definitely not the most heroic or touching thing my brothers and neighbors do.”

Readers can learn more about these beautiful things. here.

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