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

Episode: Day 249 – The Luminous Mysteries

Date: September 6, 2025
Host: Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR
Production: Ascension

Episode Overview

This episode guides listeners through the prayerful meditation of the first three Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary:

1. The Baptism of Jesus
2. The Wedding at Cana
3. The Proclamation of the Kingdom

Father Mark-Mary Ames, joined by fellow friars, leads the prayers and reflects on these pivotal Gospel moments. The episode is structured as a meditative, communal prayer, inviting participants to deepen their relationship with Jesus and Mary, and highlighting how regular Rosary prayer transforms individuals into sources of grace for the world.

Key Discussion and Prayer Points

Introduction & Purpose of the Rosary in a Year

• Fr. Mark-Mary Ames welcomes listeners and reaffirms the goal of the podcast:

  “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.” (00:04)

• Encouragement to use Ascension's resources:
  • Downloadable prayer plan (ascensionpress.com/riy)
  • The "Rosary in a Year" Prayer Guide book
  • Use of the Ascension app for an enhanced prayer experience (00:21–00:59)

Prayerful Meditation on the Luminous Mysteries

1. The Baptism of Jesus

• Format: Traditional Rosary structure (Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, Glory Be, Fatima Prayer)

• Prayers are led in a gentle, contemplative rhythm by the friars, inviting listeners into the mystery of Christ’s baptism in the Jordan.

• Notable Quote:

  “The first luminous mystery is the baptism of Jesus.” – Lead Prayers (01:18)

• Structure and Notable Moments:

  • Opening invocation and the recitation of the Our Father (01:18–01:44)
  • The community recites ten Hail Marys, each punctuated by meditative pauses (01:46–05:00)
  • Concludes with:

    “Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.” (05:02–05:13)

  • Followed by the Fatima prayer:

    “Oh, my Jesus, forgive us our sins. Save us from the fires of hell. And lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of Thy mercy.” (05:14–05:21)

2. The Wedding at Cana

• Signifies Christ’s first public miracle and the intercessory role of Mary.

• Notable Quote:

  “The second luminous mystery is the wedding at Cana.” – Lead Prayers (05:21)

• Structure and Notable Moments:

  • Our Father (05:21–05:53)
  • Ten Hail Marys with responses, reflecting on obedience to Christ and Mary’s maternal care (05:55–09:00)
  • Ends with doxology and Fatima prayer (09:02–09:22)
  • Emphasis on meditative silence and repetition, drawing listeners into the joy and mystery of Cana

3. The Proclamation of the Kingdom

• Meditates on Jesus’ message of the Kingdom of God, calling for conversion and belief in the Gospel.

• Notable Quote:

  “The third luminous mystery is the proclamation of the Kingdom.” – Lead Prayers (09:22)

• Structure and Notable Moments:

  • Our Father (09:30)
  • Ten Hail Marys with recurring meditative phrases (09:54–12:57)
  • Final glory be and Fatima prayer (12:59–13:16)

Closing and Departing Blessings

• Gratitude for Community:

  “All right, everybody. Thanks so much for joining me and praying with me today. I look forward to continuing this journey with you again tomorrow.” – Lead Prayers (13:23–13:28)

• Franciscan Farewell:

  “Poco a poco, friends. God bless y'all.” – Friar 1 (13:29)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Purpose of the Rosary:

  “The Rosary brings us deeper into relationship with Jesus and Mary and becomes a source of grace for the whole world.” – Fr. Mark-Mary Ames (00:04)

• Invitation to Build a Daily Prayer Habit:

  “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.” – Fr. Mark-Mary Ames (00:21–00:59)

• Franciscan Simplicity and Warmth:

  “Poco a poco, friends. God bless y’all.” – Friar 1 (13:29)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Introduction and Purpose – 00:04–00:59
• Luminous Mysteries Introduction – 00:59–01:14
• The Baptism of Jesus – 01:18–05:21
• The Wedding at Cana – 05:21–09:22
• The Proclamation of the Kingdom – 09:22–13:16
• Closing Blessings & Farewell – 13:23–13:32

Summary Tone and Experience

• The episode is gentle, communal, and meditative, fostering peace and reflection. The friars’ rhythmic, warm prayer leadership creates a sense of being gathered in prayer, whether listening alone or with others.
• Scriptural foundation, sacred art, and reflections are referenced as ongoing supports for spiritual growth, though the episode itself is primarily prayerful rather than didactic.

For Listeners New to The Rosary

This episode is an invitation to experience the living heart of the Rosary as practiced and loved within the Franciscan tradition. It is accessible to all—no prior experience necessary. By joining in, one can discover not only the repetition of prayer but also its depth, beauty, and life-changing grace.