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Day 188: Gifts for Mary

The Rosary in a Year (with Fr. Mark-Mary Ames)

Published: Mon Jul 07 2025

In our final visio divina episode, we meditate on a fresco entitled Mary, Help of Christians, by Giuseppe Rollini. Mary is surrounded by rows and rows of saints, from all backgrounds and professions, and yet there is still more space in Jesus’ house. With Fr. Mark-Mary, we bring the gift of our prayer and present it to Mary, our Queen. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Coronation of Mary and we will be praying one decade of the Rosary. All of the Sacred Art we’ll be meditating with can be found in the Rosary in a Year Prayer Guide, for free linked in the complete prayer plan, or in the Ascension App. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

Summary

Podcast Summary: Day 188 - "Gifts for Mary"

Podcast Information

  • Title: The Rosary in a Year (with Fr. Mark-Mary Ames)
  • Host/Author: Ascension
  • Episode: Day 188: Gifts for Mary
  • Release Date: July 7, 2025
  • Description: In this episode, Fr. Mark-Mary Ames guides listeners through a meditation on the fifth Glorious Mystery of the Rosary—the Coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth. Through the contemplation of Giuseppe Rollini’s fresco, "Mary Help of Christians," listeners are invited to reflect on their spiritual journey, the gifts they bring to Mary, and the grace received from God.

1. Introduction and Acknowledgments

The episode opens with a welcome from Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, introducing Day 188 of The Rosary in a Year podcast. He emphasizes the transformative power of the Rosary in deepening relationships with Jesus and Mary, and its role as a source of grace for the world.

Key Information:

  • Prayer Plan Access: Listeners are encouraged to download the prayer plan at ascensionpress.com/riy or text RY to 33777 to receive a monthly prayer outline.
  • Podcast Support: Fr. Mark-Mary expresses gratitude to supporters and invites listeners to contribute at ascensionpress.com/support.

2. Artistic Reflection: Giuseppe Rollini’s Fresco

Fr. Mark-Mary introduces the focal point of today’s meditation—the fresco titled "Mary Help of Christians" by Giuseppe Rollini, located in the Basilica Maria Aziliatrix.

Artist Background:

  • Giuseppe Rollini (1842-1904): An Italian artist trained under Andrea Gastaldi in Turin. A devout Catholic and protege of Don Bosco, Rollini specialized in sacred art, particularly frescoes and altarpieces for Salesian churches.
  • Artistic Style: His work combines Renaissance compositional rigor with romantic emotional intensity, incorporating elements of academic realism, Baroque dynamism, and a Symbolist palette.

Fresco Description: The fresco depicts the Coronation of Mary, surrounded by celestial choirs, saints from all epochs, and a vibrant interplay of light and color. Mary is portrayed on a golden throne with the Christ Child, St. Joseph, and numerous angels and saints, all celebrating the majesty of the Holy Trinity.

3. Meditation and Reflection by Fr. Mark-Mary Ames

Fr. Mark-Mary leads a profound meditation on the fresco, drawing parallels between the depicted Coronation of Mary and the listeners' spiritual journey.

Themes Explored:

  • Journey and Arrival: Fr. Mark-Mary likens the current phase of the Rosary journey to reaching a significant milestone, akin to completing a long leg of a backpacking trip. He shares, "Friends, we've made it. We've made it. Take a deep breath and just take it in. This is our destination." (02:30).

  • Coronation of Mary: He reflects on the imagery of Mary as Queen, Jesus as the Child King, and St. Joseph’s fulfilled mission. This symbolizes the culmination of faith and the assurance of eternal home.

  • Gifts to Mary: Drawing inspiration from the Magi’s gifts to the Christ Child, Fr. Mark-Mary invites listeners to offer their own gifts to Mary—discipline, commitment, and sacrifices made throughout their spiritual journey. "...we have these gifts to bring to her again, of the sacrifices, of the work you've done, of the fidelity along the way." (08:45)

  • Gratitude and Rest: He encourages listeners to recognize and give thanks for the graces received from God through Mary, fostering a sense of rest and gratitude before moving to the next phase of their prayer journey.

  • Looking Forward: Fr. Mark-Mary emphasizes that while this phase concludes, the true work of prayer and transformation is just beginning. He states, "the work, like especially praying, of assimilating these truths, receiving the fullness of this grace and being transformed by these Mysteries is just beginning." (09:50)

Notable Quotes:

  • "We have made it this far on this journey with me and with so many people, it is an amazing feat in its own right." (07:15)
  • "God has not outdone generosity. So we take a moment today to examine, to reflect upon and to recognize the gifts that we have received from our Lord, that we have received through our Lady." (10:20)
  • "I invite you all to simply taste and to see the goodness of the Lord." (14:00)

4. Prayers: The Rosary in Action

The latter portion of the episode is dedicated to prayer, guiding listeners through the recitation of the Rosary. This includes multiple iterations of the "Hail Mary," the "Our Father," and the "Glory Be," fostering a communal spiritual experience.

Prayer Structure:

  • Opening Prayers: Introduction with the "Our Father" (11:42) and multiple "Hail Marys" (12:09 to 14:25).
  • Closing Prayers: Concluding with the "Glory Be" (15:00) and invocation of the Holy Trinity (15:12).

5. Conclusion and Transition

Fr. Mark-Mary closes the episode with heartfelt thanks and anticipates the next phase of the journey, titled "Finding Focus." He expresses a sense of accomplishment for reaching this point and encourages listeners to embrace the ongoing transformation through prayer.

Closing Remarks:

  • "Thanks so much for joining me and for praying with me again today. And I look forward to continuing this journey with you again tomorrow." (15:18)
  • Final blessing emphasizes peace and divine grace as listeners prepare for the next steps in their spiritual pilgrimage.

Overall Insights: Day 188 serves as a pivotal moment in The Rosary in a Year podcast, marking the completion of a significant phase while setting the stage for future spiritual growth. Through the rich imagery of Rollini’s fresco and Fr. Mark-Mary’s contemplative guidance, listeners are invited to deepen their devotion, recognize their spiritual gifts, and prepare for the continued journey toward a closer relationship with Jesus and Mary.

For More Information:

Note: Timestamps provided correspond to key moments within the episode for easy reference.

No transcript available.