

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

Dec 21, 2025 • 31min
Day 355: The Glorious Mysteries
Fr. Mark-Mary draws us into the Glorious Mysteries, reflecting first on the Resurrection as the definitive victory over death. He then considers the Ascension as the culmination of Christ’s self-emptying, urging us to imitate his humility. At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit’s fire becomes a source of renewal for hearts grown weary. The Assumption highlights Mary’s childlike trust, which becomes a powerful defense against evil. Finally, in the Coronation, Mary’s unique grace as Queen and Mother strengthens us to do the Father’s will. Today's focus is the Glorious Mysteries, and we’ll be praying the full Rosary.
For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

Dec 20, 2025 • 32min
Day 354: The Joyful Mysteries
Today, Fr. Mark-Mary prays with the Joyful Mysteries, beginning with the Annunciation and the beautiful tension St. Bernard describes as all of heaven awaiting Mary’s “yes.” In the Visitation, he reminds us that although we don’t know every detail of our future, God gives enough light for each step. At the Nativity, he encourages us to bring our whole hearts—joys and sorrows alike—to the newborn Christ. He then reflects on the Presentation through Anna’s long waiting and God’s tender gaze. Finally, in the Finding in the Temple, we learn from Mary’s calm, confident pondering as she receives everything in love. Today’s focus is the Joyful Mysteries, and we’ll be praying the full Rosary.
For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

Dec 19, 2025 • 33min
Day 353: The Sorrowful Mysteries
Guiding us through the Sorrowful Mysteries, Fr. Mark-Mary ponders these mysteries through the lens of the Prodigal Son. In the Agony in the Garden, he highlights that just as the prodigal son demanded his inheritance, sinful humanity grasped at Christ, prompting us to consider the ways we, too, take matters into our own hands. During the Scourging and the Crowning with Thorns, he reveals both the cost of sin and the unshakable truth of our identity as beloved sons and daughters of the Father. As we arrive at the Carrying of the Cross and the Crucifixion, Fr. Mark-Mary emphasizes the Father’s relentless pursuit of us—running toward us in our weakness and answering every doubt with unwavering love. Today’s focus is the Sorrowful Mysteries, and we’ll be praying the full Rosary.
For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

Dec 18, 2025 • 28min
Day 352: The Luminous Mysteries
Fr. Mark-Mary shares insights on the Luminous Mysteries. In the Baptism of Jesus, he reminds us that the light of Christ shines even in the shadow of the cross, and at the Wedding at Cana, we see Mary noticing our needs and interceding with tender care. He meditates on Jesus’ proclamation of the Kingdom and His call to a deeper, more generous love, and on the Transfiguration as the moment when Christ reveals His radiant divinity. Finally, we are called to marvel at the “creativity of love” in the Eucharist, where Jesus remains with us in every place and circumstance. Today’s focus is the Luminous Mysteries, and we’ll be praying the full Rosary.
For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

Dec 17, 2025 • 30min
Day 351: The Glorious Mysteries
For today’s Rosary, Fr. Mark-Mary reflects on the hidden beauty of the Resurrection, the longing for heaven stirred within us by the Ascension, and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit revealed at Pentecost. He invites us to contemplate Mary’s Assumption as a sign of the glory prepared for those who trust in the Lord and her Coronation as the fruit of a life lived in humility. Today’s focus is the Glorious Mysteries, and we’ll be praying the full Rosary.
For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

Dec 16, 2025 • 29min
Day 350: The Sorrowful Mysteries
As we pray the Rosary, contemplating the sorrowful mysteries, Fr. Mark-Mary encourages us to draw close to Jesus. We witness the culmination of all of salvation history in the Garden of Gethsemane, we see the depths of love poured out for us with his blood, and we are invited to bring our contrition and hearts to our Lord. Today's focus is the Sorrowful Mysteries, and we’ll be praying the full Rosary.
For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

Dec 15, 2025 • 29min
Day 349: The Joyful Mysteries
Dive into the Joyful Mysteries with rich reflections on humility and divine love. Experience Mary’s reverence in Fra Angelico's Annunciation, followed by insights on trusting God through life’s chaos. Explore the Nativity, where Christ arrives in vulnerability, inviting us to adore Him. The importance of prayer and focus on Jesus is emphasized as we journey through these sacred moments. Join in on a heartfelt Rosary, nurturing faith and connection amidst our daily lives.

Dec 14, 2025 • 27min
Day 348: The Glorious Mysteries
Fr. Mark-Mary leads us in the Rosary, centering our meditations around hope. We’re reminded of the message both Christ and the Angel share: to not be afraid, the Apostles’ assiduous prayer of hope before Pentecost, and the promise revealed in Mary’s Assumption. Today's focus is the Glorious Mysteries, and we’ll be praying the full Rosary.
For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

Dec 13, 2025 • 29min
Day 347: The Joyful Mysteries
Our meditations for today’s Rosary remind us of how God so often moves in unexpected ways. Fr. Mark-Mary reminds us of the prophecy shared with Zechariah and Elizabeth, concurrent with the Annunciation. Instead of the Messiah coming to a priest in the Temple, the Messiah is given to a hidden, lowly woman. Similarly, the Holy Family’s journey to Bethlehem was surely difficult, yet God was working through this to fulfill Micah 5:2. Today's focus is the Joyful Mysteries, and we’ll be praying the full Rosary.
For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

Dec 12, 2025 • 27min
Day 346: The Sorrowful Mysteries
Fr. Mark-Mary dives into the Sorrowful Mysteries, reflecting on Vincente Masip's portrayal of Jesus in Gethsemane. He connects Christ to Isaiah's prophecy of the Suffering Servant, highlighting themes of mercy and healing. Fulton Sheen's insights on Pilate's moral compromises serve as a warning against diluting truth. The discussion of Christ as the Divine Scapegoat emphasizes the profound significance of sacrifice. Concluding with the symbolism of the crucifixion and the rainbow, the message is one of hope and victory over death.


