

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

25 snips
Jun 17, 2025 • 16min
Day 168: Our Shared Inheritance
Dive into the majestic portrayal of Mary’s coronation in a stunning fresco, where the Trinity honors her as Queen of Heaven. Discover how St. Joseph and other saints exemplify the shared suffering and glory in Christ. The discussion highlights the joy and hope inherent in discipleship, reminding listeners that despite challenges, God’s promises lead to eternal victory. This reflection beautifully intertwines art, faith, and personal journeys in spirituality.

25 snips
Jun 16, 2025 • 14min
Day 167: Glory Awaits the Faithful
Fr. Mark-Mary delves into the Assumption of Mary, inspired by Cesare Mariani’s stunning fresco. This guided meditation highlights how the artwork reflects heavenly victory and the empowerment of Mary as a source of hope. The discussion emphasizes that faith leads to eternal triumph alongside Jesus and Mary. Listeners are invited to deepen their spiritual connection through prayer, culminating in a celebration of their ongoing spiritual journey.

35 snips
Jun 15, 2025 • 15min
Day 166: Ordinary, Yet Called
Discover the transformative journey of St. Peter in Titian’s painting, highlighting the Holy Spirit's power in ordinary lives. Explore how our flaws can become the foundation of divine missions. Embrace your unique purpose with confidence, inspired by biblical figures who received new names from God. This reflection encourages trusting the Holy Spirit for guidance as we navigate our own spiritual paths. Conclude with heartfelt prayers that invoke Mary’s intercession, reinforcing the bond between personal identity and divine calling.

15 snips
Jun 14, 2025 • 14min
Day 165: Following in His Footsteps
Delve into the mystery of the Ascension, exploring how Christ's footprints symbolize His enduring presence. Reflect on Bernardino Gandino’s Baroque art as a reminder to follow Jesus not just in spirit but through Scripture and sacraments. Emphasizing the call to emulate Christ’s example, the discussion weaves ancient traditions with modern spiritual practices. The episode culminates in a meditative prayer series, enhancing the connection with the divine and inspiring a shared spiritual journey.

25 snips
Jun 13, 2025 • 14min
Day 164: Guided by His Hand
Fr. Mark-Mary delves into the significance of St. Thomas's doubts, framing them as a genuine quest for belief and connection to the Resurrection. The intimate moment captured in Caravaggio's artwork illustrates how Jesus compassionately meets Thomas's needs. This discussion encourages listeners to embrace their own doubts and seek grace, reflecting on how the Resurrection can transform lives. The episode also includes a prayerful meditation on the first glorious mystery of the rosary.

25 snips
Jun 12, 2025 • 14min
Day 163: Through His Eyes
What did Jesus see from the cross? Fr. Mark-Mary reflects on this profound question, using James Tissot’s haunting painting to explore the emotional landscape of the Crucifixion. He contrasts the indifference of the crowd with the deep sorrow of Mary, St. John, and Mary Magdalene. This contemplative journey invites listeners to examine their own responses to Christ's sacrifice. With heartfelt prayers and a focus on spiritual connection, the discussion encourages devotion and introspection on the meaning of love and loss at Calvary.

25 snips
Jun 11, 2025 • 16min
Day 162: Carrying the Cross Together
Explore the depths of Orazio Gentileschi’s painting, which beautifully contrasts the weight of the cross with Jesus' calm demeanor. Discover how true strength comes from trusting in God amidst our burdens. The discussion invites listeners to embrace life’s challenges with faith, emphasizing that relief often arises not from removal of the cross but from the trust we nurture in God’s presence. With heartfelt prayers woven throughout, this journey encourages reflection and a sense of community in sharing our struggles.

21 snips
Jun 10, 2025 • 12min
Day 161: Sharing Eternal Victory
Delve into Caravaggio’s poignant painting 'Ecce Homo' as it portrays Christ's quiet dignity amidst suffering. Explore the importance of examining personal sin and finding hope in the midst of darkness. Engage in heartfelt reflections on Jesus's sacrifice and the promise of forgiveness. Join a communal prayer journey that highlights Mary's crucial role in faith, emphasizing themes of sustenance, protection, and unity. Prepare for a powerful experience of shared spirituality and devotion through the mysteries of the Rosary.

20 snips
Jun 9, 2025 • 14min
Day 160: Choose Your Side
Delve into the spiritual battle between light and darkness as the discussion centers on Caravaggio’s striking painting, The Flagellation of Christ. Each character embodies different aspects of sin, prompting reflection on our choices in a world of temptation. The podcast emphasizes the importance of standing firm in goodness and offers prayers for guidance. By engaging in communal recitation, listeners deepen their sense of devotion and commitment to their faith. This exploration encourages personal growth amidst spiritual warfare.

15 snips
Jun 8, 2025 • 12min
Day 159: Surrender Your Suffering
The discussion centers around a striking painting of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, emphasizing the importance of surrendering our fears and burdens to Him. Fr. Mark-Mary shares a personal story that illustrates trust in Jesus' transformative powers during moments of suffering. Listeners are invited to engage in a communal prayer, reinforcing a sense of faith and togetherness. The insights into Mannerist art deepen the connection to the mystery of the Agony, making it a reflective and meaningful experience.