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

Episode: Day 259: The Glorious Mysteries
Date: September 16, 2025

Episode Overview

In Day 259 of "The Rosary in a Year," Fr. Mark-Mary Ames and members of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal guide listeners through the prayerful meditation on the first three Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary: the Resurrection, the Ascension, and the Descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. The episode’s purpose is to reinforce a habit of daily prayer, deepen relationship with Jesus and Mary, and offer the Rosary as a source of grace. The tone is warm, gentle, and devotional, marked by reverent repetition and communal prayer.

Key Discussion Points & Prayers

1. Introduction and Orientation

• Main Theme: Fr. Mark-Mary sets the intention for the day’s rosary and invites listeners to deepen their prayer practice.
  • “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.” (00:06)
• Listeners are encouraged to follow a structured prayer plan for building their habit.

2. The First Glorious Mystery: The Resurrection

(01:04 – 04:55)

• Opening: The episode begins prayers with the Sign of the Cross and the "Our Father." (01:00)
• Meditation on the Resurrection: The prayers focus on Christ’s Resurrection and its transformative power.
• Ten "Hail Marys" are recited: Each follows the traditional structure, with occasional brief prompts and responses by Fr. Mark-Mary and accompanying friars.
  • “Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.” (Repeated throughout)
• Concluding Prayers: "Glory Be" and 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.” (04:44)

Notable Quote:

• Fr. Mark-Mary attributes the Resurrection as not only a historical event but a foundational mystery of faith to be entered through prayer.

3. The Second Glorious Mystery: The Ascension

(04:55 – 08:45)

• Opening: The "Our Father" prayer is recited for the mystery. (04:59)
• Meditation on the Ascension: The prayers contemplate Christ’s return to the Father and the promise of His continual presence.
• Ten "Hail Marys" are recited: Repetitive and contemplative.
• Concluding Prayers:
  • “Oh, my Jesus, forgive us our sins. Save us in the fires of hell and lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of Thy mercy.” (08:33)

Notable Quote:

• “The second glorious mystery is the Ascension.” – Fr. Mark-Mary (04:55)

4. The Third Glorious Mystery: The Descent of the Holy Spirit

(08:45 – 12:30)

• Opening: Begins with the "Our Father." (08:51)
• Meditation on Pentecost: Prayers focus on the coming of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Church.
• Ten "Hail Marys" are recited: Rhythmically, fostering a deep sense of spiritual connection.
• Concluding Prayers:
  • “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.” (12:30)

5. Closing & Blessing

(12:41 – 12:52)

• Sign of the Cross and final blessing.
• Fr. Mark-Mary expresses gratitude and encouragement to continue daily prayer:
  • "Thanks so much for joining me and praying with me again today. I look forward to continuing this journey with you again tomorrow. Poco a poco, friends, God bless you." (12:48)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “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.” — Fr. Mark-Mary (00:06)
• “The first Glorious Mystery is the Resurrection.” — Fr. Mark-Mary (01:04)
• “The second glorious mystery is the Ascension.” — Fr. Mark-Mary (04:55)
• “The third glorious mystery is the descent of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost.” — Fr. Mark-Mary (08:45)
• “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.” (repeated after each decade)
• “Poco a poco, friends, God bless you.” — Fr. Mark-Mary (12:52), a gentle closing embodying his warm, encouraging style.

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:04 – Introduction and Inviting the Habit
• 01:04 – The First Glorious Mystery: Resurrection
• 04:55 – The Second Glorious Mystery: Ascension
• 08:45 – The Third Glorious Mystery: Pentecost
• 12:41 – Sign of the Cross and Blessing
• 12:48 – Fr. Mark-Mary’s Farewell and Encouragement

Final Thoughts

This concise but deeply meditative episode models the beauty and transformative power of a daily Rosary. Fr. Mark-Mary’s guidance and the repetition of prayer reinforce the episode’s central theme: entering deeper into the mysteries of faith through the Rosary. The tone is gentle, sincere, and inviting—ideal for both beginners and regular practitioners seeking to make the Rosary a daily habit and a true source of grace.

For those seeking structure, encouragement, and community in prayer, this episode of "The Rosary in a Year" gently guides the way, poco a poco.