Summary4 min read

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:

The Baptism of Jesus
The Wedding at Cana
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.

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Transcript257 lines

[00:00]
Intro Voice
Foreign.
[00:05]
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]
Lead Prayers
This is day 249.
[00:22]
Mark Mary
To download the prayer plan for Rosary in a year, visit ascensionpress.com rosary in a year or text RIY to 33777. You'll get an outline of how we're going to pray each month and it's a 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.
[00:59]
Lead Prayers
Today we will be praying the first three luminous mysteries, the baptism of Jesus.
[01:06]
Friar 1
The wedding at Cana, and the proclamation of the Kingdom. Let us begin in the name of the Father and of the Son and.
[01:14]
Lead Prayers
Of the Holy Spirit.
[01:16]
Amen Responder
Amen.
[01:18]
Lead Prayers
The first luminous mystery is the baptism of Jesus. Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name.
[01:26]
Friar 1
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done.
[01:30]
Lead Prayers
On earth as it is in heaven.
[01:32]
Friar 2
Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we.
[01:37]
Lead Prayers
Forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
[01:44]
Amen Responder
Amen.
[01:47]
Hail Mary Leader
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord.
[01:50]
Lead Prayers
Is with the Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[01:57]
Prayer Leader
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for.
[02:01]
Lead Prayers
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[02:04]
Amen Responder
Amen.
[02:07]
Hail Mary Leader
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord.
[02:09]
Friar 1
Is with the Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[02:17]
Prayer Leader
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for.
[02:20]
Lead Prayers
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[02:24]
Amen Responder
Amen.
[02:26]
Hail Mary Leader
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord.
[02:28]
Lead Prayers
Is with the Blessed art thou among.
[02:32]
Friar 1
Women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[02:36]
Prayer Leader
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for.
[02:39]
Lead Prayers
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[02:43]
Amen Responder
Amen.
[02:45]
Hail Mary Leader
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord.
[02:47]
Friar 2
Is with the Blessed art thou among.
[02:51]
Friar 1
Women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[02:55]
Prayer Leader
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for.
[02:59]
Lead Prayers
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[03:03]
Amen Responder
Amen.
[03:05]
Hail Mary Leader
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord.
[03:07]
Friar 2
Is with the blessed art thou among.
[03:10]
Friar 1
Women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[03:16]
Prayer Leader
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[03:19]
Lead Prayers
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[03:22]
Amen Responder
Amen.
[03:24]
Hail Mary Leader
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[03:26]
Friar 2
The Lord is with the blessed art.
[03:29]
Friar 1
Thou among women, and blessed is the.
[03:32]
Hail Mary Responder
Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[03:35]
Prayer Leader
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[03:39]
Lead Prayers
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[03:42]
Amen Responder
Amen.
[03:45]
Hail Mary Leader
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[03:47]
Friar 2
The Lord is with the blessed art.
[03:50]
Friar 1
Thou among women, and blessed is the.
[03:53]
Hail Mary Responder
Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[03:56]
Prayer Leader
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[03:59]
Lead Prayers
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[04:03]
Amen Responder
Amen.
[04:04]
Hail Mary Leader
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[04:06]
Friar 2
The Lord is with thee.
[04:09]
Friar 1
Blessed art thou among women, and blessed.
[04:12]
Hail Mary Responder
Is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[04:15]
Prayer Leader
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[04:18]
Lead Prayers
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[04:22]
Amen Responder
Amen.
[04:24]
Hail Mary Leader
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[04:26]
Friar 2
The Lord is with the Blessed art.
[04:29]
Friar 1
Thou among women and blessed is the.
[04:32]
Hail Mary Responder
Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[04:35]
Prayer Leader
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[04:38]
Lead Prayers
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[04:42]
Amen Responder
Amen.
[04:44]
Hail Mary Leader
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[04:46]
Friar 2
The Lord is with the blessed art.
[04:49]
Friar 1
Thou among women, and blessed is the.
[04:52]
Hail Mary Responder
Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[04:54]
Prayer Leader
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[04:58]
Lead Prayers
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[05:01]
Amen Responder
Amen.
[05:02]
Prayer Leader
Glory be to the Father and to.
[05:04]
Friar 2
The Son and to the Holy Spirit.
[05:07]
Friar 1
As it was in the beginning, is.
[05:10]
Lead Prayers
Now and ever shall be, world without end.
[05:13]
Amen Responder
Amen.
[05:14]
Lead Prayers
Oh, my Jesus, forgive us our sins. Save us from the fires of hell.
[05:19]
Friar 2
And lead all souls to heaven, especially.
[05:22]
Lead Prayers
Those in most need of Thy mercy. The second luminous mystery is the wedding at Cana. Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
[05:35]
Friar 1
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done.
[05:38]
Lead Prayers
On earth as it is in heaven.
[05:41]
Friar 2
Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.
[05:49]
Lead Prayers
And lead us not into temptation, but.
[05:52]
Friar 2
But deliver us from evil.
[05:53]
Amen Responder
Amen.
[05:56]
Hail Mary Leader
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[05:57]
Friar 2
The Lord is with the Blessed art.
[06:00]
Friar 1
Thou among women, and blessed is the.
[06:03]
Hail Mary Responder
Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[06:06]
Prayer Leader
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[06:09]
Lead Prayers
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[06:13]
Amen Responder
Amen.
[06:15]
Hail Mary Leader
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[06:17]
Friar 2
The Lord is with the Blessed art.
[06:19]
Friar 1
Thou among women, and blessed is the.
[06:22]
Hail Mary Responder
Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[06:25]
Prayer Leader
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[06:29]
Lead Prayers
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[06:32]
Amen Responder
Amen.
[06:34]
Hail Mary Leader
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[06:36]
Friar 2
The Lord is with the Blessed art.
[06:39]
Friar 1
Thou among women, and blessed is the.
[06:42]
Hail Mary Responder
Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[06:45]
Prayer Leader
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[06:47]
Lead Prayers
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[06:51]
Amen Responder
Amen.
[06:53]
Hail Mary Leader
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[06:54]
Friar 2
The Lord is with the blessed art.
[06:57]
Friar 1
Thou among women, and blessed is the.
[07:00]
Hail Mary Responder
Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[07:02]
Prayer Leader
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[07:05]
Lead Prayers
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[07:09]
Amen Responder
Amen.
[07:11]
Hail Mary Leader
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[07:13]
Friar 2
The Lord is with the blessed art.
[07:16]
Friar 1
Thou among women, and blessed is the.
[07:18]
Hail Mary Responder
Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[07:21]
Prayer Leader
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[07:24]
Lead Prayers
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[07:28]
Amen Responder
Amen.
[07:30]
Hail Mary Leader
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[07:32]
Friar 2
The Lord is with the blessed art.
[07:35]
Friar 1
Thou among women, and blessed is the.
[07:37]
Hail Mary Responder
Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[07:40]
Prayer Leader
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[07:43]
Lead Prayers
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[07:47]
Amen Responder
Amen.
[07:49]
Hail Mary Leader
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[07:50]
Friar 2
The Lord is with the blessed art.
[07:53]
Friar 1
Thou among women, and blessed is the.
[07:56]
Hail Mary Responder
Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[07:59]
Prayer Leader
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[08:02]
Lead Prayers
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[08:05]
Amen Responder
Amen.
[08:07]
Hail Mary Leader
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[08:09]
Friar 2
The Lord is with the blessed art.
[08:12]
Friar 1
Thou among women, and blessed is the.
[08:14]
Hail Mary Responder
Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[08:17]
Prayer Leader
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[08:20]
Lead Prayers
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[08:24]
Amen Responder
Amen.
[08:26]
Hail Mary Leader
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[08:28]
Friar 2
The Lord is with the blessed art.
[08:30]
Friar 1
Thou among women, and blessed is the.
[08:33]
Hail Mary Responder
Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[08:36]
Prayer Leader
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[08:39]
Lead Prayers
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[08:42]
Amen Responder
Amen.
[08:44]
Hail Mary Leader
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[08:46]
Friar 2
The Lord is with thee.
[08:48]
Friar 1
Blessed art thou among women, and blessed.
[08:51]
Hail Mary Responder
Is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[08:54]
Prayer Leader
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[08:57]
Lead Prayers
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[09:01]
Amen Responder
Amen.
[09:03]
Prayer Leader
Glory be to the Father and to.
[09:04]
Lead Prayers
The Son and to the Holy Spirit.
[09:07]
Friar 1
As it was in the beginning, is.
[09:09]
Lead Prayers
Now and ever shall be, world without end.
[09:13]
Amen Responder
Amen.
[09:15]
Lead Prayers
Oh, my Jesus, forgive us our sins. Save us from the fires of hell.
[09:19]
Friar 2
And lead all souls to heaven, especially.
[09:22]
Lead Prayers
Those in most need of thy mercy. The third luminous mystery is the proclamation of the kingdom.
[09:30]
Prayer Leader
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done.
[09:37]
Lead Prayers
On earth as it is in heaven.
[09:40]
Friar 2
Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.
[09:47]
Lead Prayers
And lead us not into temptation, but.
[09:50]
Friar 2
But deliver us from evil.
[09:52]
Amen Responder
Amen.
[09:54]
Hail Mary Leader
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[09:56]
Friar 2
The Lord is with the Blessed art.
[09:59]
Friar 1
Thou among women, and blessed is the.
[10:01]
Hail Mary Responder
Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[10:04]
Prayer Leader
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[10:07]
Lead Prayers
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[10:11]
Amen Responder
Amen.
[10:13]
Hail Mary Leader
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[10:15]
Friar 2
The Lord is with thee.
[10:18]
Friar 1
Blessed art thou among women, and blessed.
[10:20]
Hail Mary Responder
Is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[10:23]
Prayer Leader
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[10:26]
Lead Prayers
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[10:29]
Amen Responder
Amen.
[10:31]
Hail Mary Leader
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.
[10:35]
Friar 1
Blessed art thou among women, and blessed.
[10:38]
Hail Mary Responder
Is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[10:41]
Prayer Leader
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[10:44]
Lead Prayers
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[10:47]
Amen Responder
Amen.
[10:49]
Hail Mary Leader
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[10:51]
Friar 2
The Lord is with the blessed art.
[10:54]
Friar 1
Thou among women, and blessed is the.
[10:56]
Hail Mary Responder
Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[10:59]
Prayer Leader
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[11:02]
Lead Prayers
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[11:06]
Amen Responder
Amen.
[11:08]
Hail Mary Leader
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[11:10]
Friar 2
The Lord is with the blessed art.
[11:13]
Friar 1
Thou among women, and blessed is the.
[11:15]
Hail Mary Responder
Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[11:18]
Prayer Leader
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[11:21]
Lead Prayers
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[11:24]
Amen Responder
Amen.
[11:27]
Hail Mary Leader
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[11:29]
Friar 2
The Lord is with the blessed art.
[11:32]
Friar 1
Thou among women, and blessed is the.
[11:34]
Hail Mary Responder
Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[11:37]
Prayer Leader
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[11:40]
Lead Prayers
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[11:44]
Amen Responder
Amen.
[11:46]
Hail Mary Leader
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[11:47]
Friar 2
The Lord is with the blessed art.
[11:50]
Friar 1
Thou among women, and blessed is the.
[11:53]
Hail Mary Responder
Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[11:56]
Prayer Leader
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[11:59]
Lead Prayers
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[12:02]
Amen Responder
Amen.
[12:05]
Hail Mary Leader
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[12:06]
Friar 2
The Lord is with the blessed art.
[12:09]
Friar 1
Thou among women, and blessed is the.
[12:12]
Hail Mary Responder
Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[12:15]
Prayer Leader
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[12:18]
Lead Prayers
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[12:22]
Amen Responder
Amen.
[12:23]
Hail Mary Leader
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[12:25]
Friar 2
The Lord is with the blessed art.
[12:28]
Friar 1
Thou among women, and blessed is the.
[12:30]
Hail Mary Responder
Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[12:33]
Prayer Leader
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[12:36]
Lead Prayers
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[12:39]
Amen Responder
Amen.
[12:41]
Hail Mary Leader
Hail Mary, full of grace.
[12:43]
Friar 2
The Lord is with the blessed art.
[12:46]
Friar 1
Thou among women, and blessed is the.
[12:48]
Hail Mary Responder
Fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
[12:51]
Prayer Leader
Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for.
[12:54]
Lead Prayers
Us sinners now and at the hour of our death.
[12:58]
Amen Responder
Amen.
[12:59]
Lead Prayers
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.
[13:08]
Amen Responder
Amen.
[13:09]
Lead Prayers
Oh, my Jesus, forgive us our sins. Save us from the fires of hell.
[13:14]
Friar 2
And lead all souls to heaven, especially.
[13:16]
Lead Prayers
Those in most need of thy mercy.
[13:19]
Prayer Leader
In the name of the Father and.
[13:20]
Lead Prayers
Of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
[13:23]
Amen Responder
Amen.
[13:24]
Lead Prayers
All right, everybody. Thanks so much for joining me and praying with me today.
[13:27]
Prayer Leader
I look forward to continuing this journey.
[13:29]
Lead Prayers
With you again tomorrow.
[13:30]
Friar 1
Poco Poke. Friends, God bless y'.
[13:33]
Closing Voice
All.