The Rosary in a Year (with Fr. Mark-Mary Ames)
Ascension
In Ascension’s Rosary in a Year podcast, Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR, guides listeners in a step-by-step journey that will change the way you pray – no matter where you are in your spiritual life.
By starting small and adding on over time, listeners will find themselves falling more in love with this powerful Marian devotion, becoming a source of grace for the whole world.
Listen to discover….
How to build a daily habit of prayer
How to form a relationship with Jesus and Mary
The Biblical foundations of the Rosary
How to meditate with sacred art (visio divina), saint writings, and scripture (lectio divina)
The power of Mary’s influence in your life
…and more.
For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.
By starting small and adding on over time, listeners will find themselves falling more in love with this powerful Marian devotion, becoming a source of grace for the whole world.
Listen to discover….
How to build a daily habit of prayer
How to form a relationship with Jesus and Mary
The Biblical foundations of the Rosary
How to meditate with sacred art (visio divina), saint writings, and scripture (lectio divina)
The power of Mary’s influence in your life
…and more.
For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 11, 2026 • 9min
Day 11: Our Father in Heaven
Fr. Mark-Mary explores the profound connection between prayer and relationships, starting with the Biblical story of Jacob and Esau. He contrasts Jacob's fearful approach with Jesus' invitation to address God as 'Our Father.' Listeners are encouraged to approach prayer with childlike confidence rather than fear. Through personal anecdotes, he emphasizes love over a transactional view of God. The discussion serves as a reflective journey, inviting deeper, more intimate communication with the divine.
Jan 10, 2026 • 9min
Day 10: Blessed Are You
Fr. Mark-Mary explores the joy of the Hail Mary, diving into its biblical roots and the celebration of the Blessed Mother. He reflects on Bathsheba's role in intercession and how maternal connections can influence requests. The discussion highlights Mary's unique position as a mediator between humanity and Jesus, using the wedding at Cana as a powerful example of her intercessory strength. Listeners are encouraged to entrust their needs to Mary, reinforcing the beauty of spiritual relationships.
Jan 9, 2026 • 8min
Day 9: Blessed Are You
Discover the joy behind the Hail Mary as a heartfelt tribute to the Blessed Mother. Fr. Mark-Mary explores the Biblical origins of ‘Blessed are you among women’ from Luke’s Visitation. Learn how Mary’s greeting of Elizabeth brought grace, igniting a Spirit-filled exclamation from Elizabeth. Embrace a childlike wonder through a delightful dolphin story that embodies joy. Renew the meaning of the Hail Mary into a vibrant cry of praise and engage in heartfelt prayer to celebrate Mary and Jesus.
5 snips
Jan 8, 2026 • 9min
Day 8: Full of Grace
Discover the Biblical roots of the Hail Mary and its divine significance during prayer. Fr. Mark-Mary explores how Gabriel's greeting at the Annunciation connects us to God's words. He encourages a heartfelt approach to Mary, emphasizing that repetition in prayer can deepen our love. The session includes a practical meditation on 'full of grace,' inviting listeners to connect with Mary and seek the grace of Jesus. Conclude with a guided prayer of the Our Father, three Hail Marys, and a Glory Be.
6 snips
Jan 7, 2026 • 10min
Day 7: Grace Will Overflow
Fr. Mark-Mary explores how praying the Rosary can unleash an overflow of grace in our lives and relationships. He highlights the power of prayer as a source of grace, referencing Pope Benedict XVI's insights. The episode emphasizes the Rosary as a spiritual weapon, effective in unseen spiritual battles. Sharing his personal testimony of conversion, Fr. Mark-Mary encourages listeners to persist in their prayers, reminding them of the world's need for divine grace and the radical hope it brings.
7 snips
Jan 6, 2026 • 11min
Day 6: Prayer is a Battle
Fr. Mark-Mary delves into the concept of prayer as a battlefield, highlighting the struggles we face in cultivating a prayer life. He emphasizes that prayer requires both grace and effort while navigating the temptations that seek to divert us from God. Drawing on the power of the Rosary, he describes it as a spiritual weapon against adversity and a tool for concentration. Historical accounts, like the Battle of Lepanto, show how prayer can impact the world. The call to daily pray the Rosary for personal and global salvation resonates throughout.
7 snips
Jan 5, 2026 • 15min
Day 5: A Garden of Rest
Fr. Mark-Mary invites listeners to rest in Mary’s garden, a sanctuary free from worries. He explores the meaning of 'Mother Inviolate,' linking it to purity and devotion. The podcast emphasizes the rosary's dual role as a means of both rest and spiritual combat. A guided meditation helps listeners surrender their anxieties, inviting a gentle transformation of the heart. The idea of the rosary as a mystical garden highlights a habit of daily prayer, turning life’s challenges into opportunities for peace.
5 snips
Jan 4, 2026 • 14min
Day 4: Prayer With Mary
Explore the powerful role of Mary as the mirror of justice, reflecting God's love and guiding prayer. Fr. Mark-Mary shares insights on the comfort of her presence, comparing it to a mother's voice that feels like home. He invites listeners to bring Mary into their lives, emphasizing the importance of authentic devotion. Imaginative prayer helps cultivate a loving gaze from Mary that enriches daily experiences. Join in a serene meditation with prayers to deepen your connection and embrace Mary's nurturing influence.
Jan 3, 2026 • 15min
Day 3: Heart of Jesus
What emotions arise when in Jesus' presence? Explore the contrasting feelings of freedom and anxiety during imaginative meditation. Fr. Mark-Mary takes you to Jesus' workshop, guiding you through a creative experience of making candlesticks. Reflect on Jesus' patient and merciful heart while navigating your own feelings. Discover how to embrace the freedom of being a beginner in prayer and apply these insights to your rosary practice.
5 snips
Jan 2, 2026 • 13min
Day 2: The King Knows You
Fr. Mark-Mary emphasizes that Jesus, the eternal king, knows each of us personally and loves us deeply. He invites listeners to imagine Christ in His majesty, surrounded by angels. Through personal anecdotes, he illustrates the profound significance of being known by Jesus. The meditation centers on making Jesus the focal point of our hearts while guiding listeners in prayer, including the Our Father and Hail Marys, to foster a closer relationship with Him. It’s a journey towards understanding divine love and attentive prayer.
