Religious Podcast ‘The Rosary in a Year’ Tops Apple Charts

A religious podcast, ‘The Rosary in a Year (with Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR),’ has surged to the top of Apple Podcasts‘ charts, surpassing popular shows like ‘The Joe Rogan Experience‘ and ‘The Mel Robbins Podcast.’ Hosted by Father Mark-Mary Ames, a Franciscan Friar of the Renewal, the podcast held the #1 spot for three consecutive days at the start of 2025 before settling at #2 on January 4.

Father Mark-Mary Ames, who also serves as the director of communications and Priestly Studies for the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, attributes the podcast’s success to divine intervention. ‘If God wants to make this thing number one, awesome,’ he told Fox News Digital. ‘It’s not the hardest thing I do, but it’s a source of grace for people and helps them pray.’

The podcast, produced by Ascension Catholic Media, offers a step-by-step guide to praying the rosary, a centuries-old Catholic devotion. Father Mark-Mary describes the rosary as ‘the great remedy for our time,’ emphasizing its role in fostering concentration and spiritual growth. ‘Praying the rosary is like physical therapy for the soul,’ he explained. ‘It works the concentration muscle within, which is really atrophied in our modern world.’

Despite its success, Father Mark-Mary remains humble, noting that there are ‘more beautiful’ and impactful acts of faith happening worldwide that often go unnoticed. ‘There are many people in my life doing things much more moving than having a podcast hit number one,’ he said. ‘People just don’t know about it.’

The podcast’s rise comes amid broader trends of declining religious affiliation in the U.S., making its popularity a surprising anomaly. Its predecessor, ‘The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz),’ also produced by Ascension, remains a top 10 podcast on Apple, highlighting the enduring appeal of faith-based content in the digital age.

Father Mark-Mary, who left a life of privilege in Orange County, California, to serve the poor, credits his spiritual journey to the influence of Mother Teresa and the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal. ‘I’m made to give my life to the poorest of the poor,’ he said. ‘There’s nothing I’ve left behind or sacrificed that God hasn’t repaid a hundred-fold.’

With its focus on prayer, meditation, and spiritual growth, ‘The Rosary in a Year’ continues to resonate with listeners seeking solace and connection in an increasingly secular world.