Is mainstream media embracing faith-based content?

The top podcast globally at the beginning of the year is not hosted by Joe Rogan.

The sentence cannot be rewritten as it is too vague and does not provide enough context to determine who the sentence belongs to.

As Father Mark-Mary Ames of Ascension Press stated on Planet Chronicle Digital, it is ultimately God who owns the content.

Despite a decline in religious affiliation, "The Rosary in a Year (with Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR)" became the top-ranked podcast on Apple Podcasts for three days in a row, before dropping to #2 on January 4.

The director of communications and the director of Priestly Studies of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal (CFR) is the humble host, whose main objective is to wholeheartedly embrace Jesus Christ and St. Francis of Assisi.

The "Habits for Holiness" author spoke with Planet Chronicle Digital at SEEK25 DC, a four-day event featuring conference sessions, renowned Catholic keynote speakers, music, mass, and adoration for those seeking spiritual guidance. He discussed his motivations for living a virtuous life, the true purpose of the rosary, and his thoughts on the success of his podcast.

Mark-Mary Ames, a wealthy family's son born and raised in Orange County, California, was inspired by Mother Teresa to give up his privileged life for the service of others.

"I discovered that a group of Franciscans in New York are devoted and live on the ground. Upon researching our constitutions, which outline our mission, I realized that if this was true, it aligned perfectly with what I was searching for. As a result, I was a typical teenager following a typical path. However, God unexpectedly brought about this transformation."

"God's generosity has been the defining experience of my life, and I have given my all to the poorest of the poor. I have sacrificed nothing that he hasn't repaid a hundred-fold, and this has led to new and deeper ways of living."

The priest, who is not his most proud work, spoke to Planet Chronicle Digital about being handed over the baton from successful Ascension Press alum Father Mike Schmitz for his "Rosary in a Year" podcast, describing the rosary as "the great remedy for our time."

"The Rosary is the key to unlocking a special grace given by God, which he wants to do through Mary. It's fascinating that even Mary continues to come, and this grace continues to be present."

Some may find the rosary confusing and intimidating, but the priest claims it is "perfect."

"Praying the rosary… is like physical therapy for the soul." — Father Mark-Mary Ames, CFR

"The rosary, developed over hundreds of years, is a perfect prayer that helps us connect with God. It not only benefits our spiritual growth but also improves our ability to concentrate and focus, which are essential for hearing and connecting with God. Praying the rosary can be seen as physical therapy for the soul, as it works on the concentration muscle, which has become atrophied over time."

Father Mark-Mary disclosed that the rosary devotion can be personalized, enhancing its perfection, as it caters to both experienced and novice meditators, breaking down each Marian mystery and prayer structure with ease.

"While attending Mass on Sunday is a commandment, praying the rosary is not. However, the rosary has its own set of devotional practices that can be personalized according to one's preferences."

Even the rosary expert admitted that he sometimes struggles to concentrate while reciting the prayers.

"He admitted that it was a million percent, something that shouldn't be controversial or put people off. It's his own journey because he wants to improve and deepen."

The motivation that drove him to host "The Rosary in a Year" was described by him as a calling.

"I simply aim to remain devoted to what is in front of me. If God chooses to make this a top priority, that's great. If he wants to accomplish something amazing, that's his prerogative."

Although it has been successful, the renowned friar disclosed to Planet Chronicle Digital that there are "more stunning" events taking place globally that the media tends to overlook.

"There are countless individuals in my life who are performing acts of great beauty and emotion, yet their accomplishments remain unknown. Despite the success of his podcast, the speaker acknowledges that it is not the most challenging, honorable, or inspiring thing he does."

Readers can learn more about these beautiful things here.