The number one podcast in the world to start the new year doesn’t belong to Joe Rogan.
It doesn’t belong to Alex Cooper, Mel Robbins, or any member of the Kelce clan.
It is owned by Father Mark-Mary Ames of Ascension Press. Or rather, as he told Fox News Digital, it belongs to God.
At a time when Bible sales are experiencing a sudden surge amid research suggesting that people are unsubscribing from religiosity in general, it is somewhat surprising that “The Rosary in a Year (with Father Mark-Mary Ames, CFR )” climbed. at No. 1 on Apple Podcasts to start the new year – holding that spot for three consecutive days before falling to a remarkable No. 2 on January 4.
His humble host is the director of communications and director of priestly studies of the Franciscan Brothers of the Renewal (CFR), whose primary mission is “the unreserved embrace of Jesus Christ and their Holy Father, Saint Francis of Assisi “.
The author of “Habits for Holiness” spoke with Fox News Digital at SEEK25 DC, a four-day event featuring lecture sessions, world-class Catholic speakers, music, Mass and worship for all those who seek their pillars of prayer, companionship and inspiration. , and entertainment. There, he explained everything from what motivated him to live a virtuous life, to what the rosary is really supposed to be and how it Really feels the success of his podcast.
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Podcast legend Joe Rogan’s “The Joe Rogan Experience” currently sits in third place on Apple Podcast’s top shows, just behind Father Mark-Mary Ames’ “The Rosary in a Year,” which fell to second place on January 4 after three consecutive days at the top of the rankings.
Father Mark-Mary Ames, who was born and raised in Orange County, California, in what he described as a “wealthy family,” said he was inspired by Mother Teresa to give up a life of privilege to serve others.
“I heard there was a group of Franciscans in New York who are unconditional and sleep on the floor. And I looked them up, and I read our constitutions – that’s what we say we are – and I said to myself, “If that’s true, that’s all I’m looking for. So I was a very, very normal kid, on a normal path and then God kind of made it happen. »
“I was made to give my life to the poorest of the poor,” he added. “The great and profound experience of my life is what God has generously done. There is therefore nothing that I have left behind or sacrificed without it having been rewarded a hundredfold. new and deeper way.”
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While it’s not the work he’s most proud of, the priest spoke to Fox News Digital about passing the baton from successful Ascension Press alumnus Father Mike Schmitz for his podcast “Rosary in a Year “, describing the rosary itself as “the great medicine for our times.”
“There is something special that God wants to do through Mary that continues now as well. So it is interesting that even Mary is the one who keeps coming,” he said. “I think the first thing is that there seems to be a kind of special grace given by God to the Rosary where it wants to do special work. And the Rosary is the thing that unlocks it. It opens the door to grace. “
“The Rosary in a Year” podcast was #1 on Apple in all categories, ahead of Joe Rogan, for 3 days to start 2025.
The rosary can be confusing and even intimidating to some, but the priest says it is actually “perfect.”
“Praying the rosary…it’s like physical therapy for the soul.”
“It took hundreds of years to get to what it is, as a perfect prayer that fits the way we receive and come to God,” he said. “But also, it’s really good for our humanity. We’re everywhere. It’s really hard for us to focus and concentrate and the human ability to concentrate in the concrete for an extended period of time is a bit like It’s very difficult to hear God, to come to God, if you can’t pay attention to it. And so I think there’s a part of praying the rosary, which is like physical therapy. soul. The content works the concentration muscle inside It. is truly atrophied.
While his podcast serves to break down each of the Marian mysteries and the structure of this perfect prayer with its flavor in mind, offering seasoned meditators and newcomers alike a chance to understand it in a deeper way, Father Mark-Mary revealed that devotion to the Rosary can actually be a personalized experience – adding to its perfection.
“(Praying the rosary) is not really a commandment, but you have to go to Mass on Sunday,” he said, explaining the difference between devotional and liturgical prayer. “And so, in devotion, there are some really good things. Whether it’s a good thing for you or not, there’s actually space for you to make that decision. There’s a lot more space for personalization.”
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The rosary expert then confessed that even he can lose concentration when reciting it.
“A million percent,” he admitted. “And it’s something that feels like…it shouldn’t be controversial to people or turn them off. It’s my own journey because I want to do better and grow deeper.”
It was the very motivation – or vocation, as he described it – that pushed him to sign up to host “The Rosary in a Year”.
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“I’m just trying to be faithful to what’s in front of me. And if God wants that thing to be number one, that’s awesome. If he wants to do all kinds of awesome things, that’s kind of on him .”
Despite his success so far, the famous brother told Fox News Digital that there are “more beautiful” things happening in the world that the media isn’t putting the spotlight on:
“There are many, many people in my life who do much more beautiful and much more moving things than having a number one podcast. People just don’t know it,” he said. “I’m very grateful for the podcast, its popularity, and it’s a source of grace for people and helps them pray. (But) it’s not the hardest thing I do. It’s not not the most honorable thing I do And it’s certainly not the most heroic or moving thing my brothers and neighbors do.
Readers can learn more about these beautiful things here.
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