Summary4 min read

Podcast Summary: The Rosary in a Year (with Fr. Mark-Mary Ames) – Day 237: The Ascension and the Descent of the Holy Spirit

Date: August 25, 2025
Host: Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR (with prayer participants)
Podcast by: Ascension

Overview

This episode guides listeners in praying and meditating on the Second and Third Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary: the Ascension of Jesus and the Descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Fr. Mark-Mary Ames and the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal lead reflections on these mysteries, highlighting their scriptural and spiritual significance, and invite listeners to deepen their relationship with Christ and Mary through contemplative prayer.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Ascension: A New Kind of Presence

(01:07–01:51)

Fr. Mark-Mary emphasizes that Jesus’ Ascension is not a departure but a “new way of being”—one that allows Christ to be even more intimately accessible to all.
- “Jesus’ ascension into heaven is not a going away, but a new way of being, a way that allows him to be even more present, more close to each of us as he doesn’t go to some far off place, but he goes to the right hand of His Father.” (Friar Reflecting on Mysteries, 01:07)
The mystery marks the glorified body of Christ entering Heaven, and believers share in this hope:
- “We celebrate the entry of the hypostatic union, Jesus’ body and soul ascending to heaven… taking his place at the right hand of the Father. Each of us has even more intimate, profound, immediate access to our risen Lord.” (Friar Reflecting on Mysteries, 01:22–01:51)

2. The Descent of the Holy Spirit: Transformation through Prayer and Power

(01:54–03:09)

Reflection centers on the disciples, with Mary, waiting in hope and persevering prayer:
- “On Pentecost we see ourselves with Mary and the other disciples waiting on the Lord in ardent persevering prayer.” (Friar Reflecting on Mysteries, 01:54)
The Holy Spirit’s coming renews and empowers the disciples, turning fear into bold proclamation:
- “The Holy Spirit in this moment renews, reshapes, reinvigorates the disciples and the apostles. Peter, who… we encounter being weak and scared during the Lord’s passion… now goes out and proclaims the Gospel with boldness, bringing more than 3,000 souls to baptism…” (Friar Reflecting on Mysteries, 02:16–02:56)
Concludes with a prayerful plea for the Spirit today:
- “We pray ‘Come, Holy Spirit,’ asking to be renewed and reinvigorated by the same Spirit of God.” (Friar Reflecting on Mysteries, 03:04)

Memorable Quotes

On Christ’s continuing presence:
“Jesus’ ascension into heaven is not a going away, but a new way of being… Each of us has even more intimate, profound, immediate access to our risen Lord.”
(Friar Reflecting on Mysteries, 01:07–01:51)
On the power of the Holy Spirit:
“Peter, who… was weak and scared during the Lord’s passion… now goes out and proclaims the Gospel with boldness, bringing more than 3,000 souls to baptism…”
(Friar Reflecting on Mysteries, 02:45–02:56)

Timestamps for Important Segments

Opening and Introduction: 00:04–01:01
Reflection on the Ascension: 01:07–01:51
Reflection on the Descent of the Holy Spirit: 01:54–03:09
Transition to Prayer: 03:09–03:19
Rosary Prayers
- Second Glorious Mystery (The Ascension): 03:25–07:22
- Third Glorious Mystery (Descent of the Holy Spirit): 07:22–11:32
Closing and Blessing: 11:36–11:49

Tone and Approach

Calm, reverent, inviting, and meditative.
Fr. Mark-Mary’s guidance is nourishing and accessible, drawing out the beauty of the mysteries and encouraging a deeper, personal relationship with God and Mary.
The communal prayer rhythm invites listeners to enter into the Rosary beyond mere recitation – as lived contemplation.

Takeaways for Listeners

The Ascension is not Jesus’ absence, but the beginning of a fuller closeness—He is always accessible.
Pentecost shows that patient, hope-filled prayer opens hearts to radical transformation by the Holy Spirit.
The episode’s format gently strengthens personal prayer habits, encourages trust in God’s presence, and fosters a sense of community among listeners undertaking the “Rosary in a Year” journey.

Notable Moments

Invitation to Prayer and Meditation:
- “Let’s take a moment to become recollected, to ask for the grace of the Holy Spirit, to find our point of meditation and prayer.” (Friar Leading Prayer, 03:09–03:18)
Affectionate Closing:
- “Thanks, everybody, for joining me and praying with me today. I look forward to continuing this journey with you again tomorrow.” (Prayer Participant 4, 11:41–11:48)

For a deep daily encounter with Christ and Mary, download the Rosary in a Year prayer plan at Ascension Press or listen on the Ascension app.

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Transcript186 lines

[00:00]
Intro Announcer
Foreign.
[00:05]
Host Mark Mary
Mark Mary with Franciscan Friars of the Renewal and this is the Rosary in a Year podcast where through prayer and meditation, the Rosary brings us deeper into relationship with Jesus and Mary and becomes a source of grace for the whole world. The Rosary in a Year is brought to you by Ascension.
[00:19]
Friar Leading Prayer
This is day 237.
[00:22]
Host Mark Mary
To download the prayer plan for Rosary in a year, visit Ascension press this.com rosary in a year or text R I Y to 33777.
[00:33]
Friar Reflecting on Mysteries
You'll get an outline of how we're.
[00:34]
Host Mark Mary
Going to pray each month and it's great way to track your progress. The best place to listen to the podcast in the Ascension app. There are special features built just for this podcast and also recordings of the full Rosary with myself and other friars. I encourage you to pick up a copy of the Rosary in a Year Prayer Guide, a book published by Ascension that was designed to complement this podcast. You'll find all the daily readings from Scripture, saint reflections and beautiful images of the sacred art will be reflecting on.
[01:00]
Prayer Participant 1
Today we'll be praying with the second.
[01:01]
Friar Leading Prayer
And the third glorious Mysteries, the Ascension.
[01:04]
Prayer Participant 2
And the Descent of the Holy Spirit.
[01:08]
Friar Reflecting on Mysteries
As we pray with the second glorious Mystery, we're reminded that Jesus ascension into heaven. It's not a going away, but a new way of being, a way that allows him to be even more present, more close to each of us as he doesn't go to some far off place, but he goes to the right hand of His Father. So we celebrate the entry of the hypostatic union, Jesus body and soul ascending to heaven. We see Jesus with his human glorified body ascending into heaven, taking his place at the right hand of the Father. And each of us has even more intimate, profound, immediate access to our risen.
[01:51]
Prayer Participant 3
Lord.
[01:54]
Friar Reflecting on Mysteries
As we pray with the third glorious mystery, the Descent of the Holy Spirit. On Pentecost we see ourselves with Mary and the other disciples waiting on the Lord in ardent persevering prayer.
[02:12]
Prayer Participant 2
This model of prayer and of hope.
[02:16]
Friar Reflecting on Mysteries
Of waiting in anticipation and confidence on the coming of the Holy Spirit. And then we see the descent of the Holy Spirit and the tongues of fire. And the Holy Spirit in this moment like renews, reshapes, reinvigorates the disciples and the apostles. And then Peter, who we encounter being weak and scared during the Lord's passion to the point of denying him, now goes out and proclaims the Gospel with boldness, bringing more than 3,000 souls to baptism in his first proclamation of the Gospel after the coming the descent of the Holy Spirit. And we pray come Holy Spirit, asking to be renewed and reinvigorated by the same Spirit of God.
[03:10]
Prayer Participant 2
So we'll go ahead and take a moment to become recollected.
[03:14]
Friar Leading Prayer
To ask for the grace of the Holy Spirit, to find our point of meditation and prayer.
[03:19]
Prayer Participant 2
And we'll begin.
[03:20]
Prayer Participant 4
In the name of the Father and.
[03:21]
Prayer Participant 2
Of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
[03:23]
Prayer Participant 4
Amen.
[03:25]
Friar Leading Prayer
The second glorious mystery is the Ascension.
[03:29]
Prayer Participant 4
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
[03:32]
Prayer Participant 3
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done.
[03:35]
Friar Leading Prayer
On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.
[03:46]
Prayer Participant 1
And lead us not into temptation, but.
[03:48]
Friar Leading Prayer
But deliver us from evil.
[03:50]
Prayer Participant 5
Amen.
[03:52]
Prayer Participant 6
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord.
[03:55]
Friar Leading Prayer
Is with the Blessed art thou among.
[03:58]
Prayer Participant 1
Women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[04:02]
Prayer Participant 4
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[04:05]
Prayer Participant 3
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[04:08]
Prayer Participant 5
Amen.
[04:11]
Prayer Participant 6
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord.
[04:13]
Friar Leading Prayer
Is with the Blessed art thou among.
[04:16]
Prayer Participant 1
Women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[04:21]
Prayer Participant 4
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[04:24]
Prayer Participant 3
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[04:27]
Prayer Participant 5
Amen.
[04:29]
Prayer Participant 6
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[04:31]
Friar Leading Prayer
The Lord is with the Blessed art.
[04:34]
Prayer Participant 2
Thou among women, and blessed is the.
[04:37]
Prayer Participant 1
Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[04:40]
Prayer Participant 4
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[04:43]
Prayer Participant 3
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[04:47]
Prayer Participant 5
Amen.
[04:49]
Prayer Participant 6
Hail Mary, full of grace, The Lord.
[04:51]
Friar Leading Prayer
Is with the Blessed art thou among.
[04:54]
Prayer Participant 1
Women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[05:00]
Prayer Participant 4
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[05:03]
Prayer Participant 3
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[05:06]
Prayer Participant 5
Amen.
[05:08]
Prayer Participant 6
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[05:10]
Friar Leading Prayer
The Lord is with the Blessed art.
[05:13]
Prayer Participant 2
Thou among women, and blessed is the.
[05:16]
Prayer Participant 1
Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[05:19]
Prayer Participant 4
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[05:22]
Prayer Participant 3
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[05:26]
Prayer Participant 5
Amen.
[05:28]
Prayer Participant 6
Hail Mary, full of grace, The Lord.
[05:30]
Friar Leading Prayer
Is with the Blessed art thou among women and.
[05:35]
Prayer Participant 1
And blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[05:39]
Prayer Participant 4
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[05:42]
Prayer Participant 3
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[05:46]
Prayer Participant 5
Amen.
[05:47]
Prayer Participant 6
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[05:49]
Friar Leading Prayer
The Lord is with the Blessed art.
[05:52]
Prayer Participant 2
Thou among women, and blessed is the.
[05:55]
Prayer Participant 1
Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[05:57]
Prayer Participant 4
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[06:01]
Prayer Participant 3
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[06:04]
Prayer Participant 5
Amen.
[06:06]
Prayer Participant 6
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.
[06:10]
Prayer Participant 2
Blessed art thou among women, and blessed.
[06:13]
Prayer Participant 1
Is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[06:17]
Prayer Participant 4
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[06:20]
Prayer Participant 3
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[06:23]
Prayer Participant 5
Amen.
[06:26]
Prayer Participant 6
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.
[06:30]
Prayer Participant 2
Blessed art thou among women, and blessed.
[06:33]
Prayer Participant 1
Is the Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[06:36]
Prayer Participant 4
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[06:40]
Prayer Participant 3
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[06:43]
Prayer Participant 5
Amen.
[06:45]
Prayer Participant 6
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[06:47]
Friar Leading Prayer
The Lord is with the blessed art.
[06:50]
Prayer Participant 2
Thou among women, and blessed is the.
[06:53]
Prayer Participant 1
Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[06:56]
Prayer Participant 4
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[06:59]
Prayer Participant 3
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[07:03]
Prayer Participant 5
Amen.
[07:04]
Prayer Participant 4
Glory be to the Father, and to.
[07:06]
Friar Leading Prayer
The Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
[07:09]
Prayer Participant 1
As it was in the beginning, is.
[07:11]
Prayer Participant 4
Now and ever shall be, world without end.
[07:14]
Prayer Participant 5
Amen.
[07:15]
Prayer Participant 1
O my Jesus, forgive us our sins.
[07:18]
Prayer Participant 2
Save us from the fires of hell and lead all souls to heaven, especially.
[07:23]
Friar Leading Prayer
Those in most need of thy mercy. The third glorious mystery is the descent of the Holy Spirit.
[07:31]
Prayer Participant 4
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
[07:36]
Friar Leading Prayer
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
[07:55]
Prayer Participant 5
Amen.
[07:57]
Prayer Participant 6
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[07:59]
Friar Leading Prayer
The Lord is with the blessed art.
[08:02]
Prayer Participant 2
Thou among women, and blessed is the.
[08:05]
Prayer Participant 1
Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[08:08]
Prayer Participant 4
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[08:11]
Prayer Participant 3
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[08:15]
Prayer Participant 5
Amen.
[08:17]
Prayer Participant 6
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[08:19]
Friar Leading Prayer
The Lord is with the blessed art.
[08:22]
Prayer Participant 2
Thou among women, and blessed is the.
[08:25]
Prayer Participant 1
Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[08:28]
Prayer Participant 4
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[08:31]
Prayer Participant 3
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[08:35]
Prayer Participant 5
Amen.
[08:37]
Prayer Participant 6
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[08:39]
Friar Leading Prayer
The Lord is with the blessed art.
[08:42]
Prayer Participant 2
Thou among women, and blessed is the.
[08:44]
Prayer Participant 1
Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[08:47]
Prayer Participant 4
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[08:50]
Prayer Participant 3
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[08:53]
Prayer Participant 5
Amen.
[08:55]
Prayer Participant 6
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[08:58]
Friar Leading Prayer
The Lord is with the blessed art.
[09:01]
Prayer Participant 2
Thou among women, and blessed is the.
[09:04]
Prayer Participant 1
Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[09:07]
Prayer Participant 4
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[09:10]
Prayer Participant 3
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[09:14]
Prayer Participant 5
Amen.
[09:16]
Prayer Participant 6
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[09:18]
Friar Leading Prayer
The Lord is with the blessed art.
[09:21]
Prayer Participant 2
Thou among women, and blessed is the.
[09:24]
Prayer Participant 1
Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[09:27]
Prayer Participant 4
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[09:30]
Prayer Participant 3
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[09:34]
Prayer Participant 5
Amen.
[09:36]
Prayer Participant 6
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.
[09:40]
Prayer Participant 2
Blessed art thou among women, and blessed.
[09:43]
Prayer Participant 1
Is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[09:46]
Prayer Participant 4
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[09:49]
Prayer Participant 3
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[09:53]
Prayer Participant 5
Amen.
[09:55]
Prayer Participant 6
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[09:57]
Friar Leading Prayer
The Lord is with the blessed art.
[10:00]
Prayer Participant 2
Thou among women, and blessed is the.
[10:03]
Prayer Participant 1
Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[10:06]
Prayer Participant 4
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[10:09]
Prayer Participant 3
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[10:13]
Prayer Participant 5
Amen.
[10:15]
Prayer Participant 6
Hail Mary, Full of grace, the Lord.
[10:18]
Friar Leading Prayer
Is with the Blessed art thou among.
[10:21]
Prayer Participant 1
Women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[10:26]
Prayer Participant 4
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for.
[10:30]
Prayer Participant 3
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[10:33]
Prayer Participant 5
Amen.
[10:35]
Prayer Participant 6
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[10:37]
Friar Leading Prayer
The Lord is with the Blessed art.
[10:40]
Prayer Participant 2
Thou among women, and blessed is the.
[10:43]
Prayer Participant 1
Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[10:46]
Prayer Participant 4
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for.
[10:49]
Prayer Participant 3
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[10:53]
Prayer Participant 5
Amen.
[10:54]
Prayer Participant 6
Hail Mary, full of grace, The Lord.
[10:57]
Friar Leading Prayer
Is with the Blessed art thou among.
[11:01]
Prayer Participant 1
Women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[11:06]
Prayer Participant 4
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for.
[11:09]
Prayer Participant 3
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[11:13]
Prayer Participant 5
Amen.
[11:14]
Prayer Participant 4
Glory be to the Father and to.
[11:16]
Friar Leading Prayer
The Son and to the Holy Spirit.
[11:19]
Prayer Participant 1
As it was in the beginning, is.
[11:21]
Prayer Participant 4
Now and ever shall be, world without end.
[11:24]
Prayer Participant 5
Amen.
[11:26]
Prayer Participant 1
Oh, my Jesus, forgive us our sins.
[11:28]
Prayer Participant 2
Save us from the fires of hell.
[11:30]
Friar Leading Prayer
And lead all souls to heaven, especially.
[11:33]
Friar Reflecting on Mysteries
Those in most need of thy mercy.
[11:36]
Prayer Participant 4
In the name of the Father and.
[11:38]
Friar Leading Prayer
Of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
[11:41]
Prayer Participant 5
Amen.
[11:42]
Prayer Participant 4
Thanks, everybody, for joining me and praying with me today. I look forward to continuing this journey with you again tomorrow.
[11:48]
Friar Leading Prayer
Poco.
[11:49]
Friar Reflecting on Mysteries
Poco.
[11:49]
Prayer Participant 2
Friends, God bless y'.
[11:51]
Intro Announcer
All.