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

Episode Summary: Day 269 – The Luminous Mysteries

Date: September 26, 2025
Host: Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR
Podcast: The Rosary in a Year (Ascension)

Episode Overview

This episode invites listeners to pray and meditate on the first three Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary: the Baptism of Jesus, the Wedding at Cana, and the Proclamation of the Kingdom and the call to conversion. Fr. Mark-Mary guides the communal prayer, encouraging listeners on their daily journey to deepen their relationship with Jesus and Mary. The episode focuses on devotion, the scriptural roots of each Mystery, and the transformative grace found in Rosary prayer.

Key Discussion Points & Prayer Structure

1. Opening & Intentions

• (01:00) Fr. Mark-Mary welcomes listeners to Day 269 of the journey, emphasizing the continual building of a daily prayer habit.
• Listeners are reminded that by praying together, “the Rosary brings us deeper into relationship with Jesus and Mary and becomes a source of grace for the whole world.”
  • [00:14] Fr. Mark-Mary
• Practical encouragement is offered to download the prayer plan or use the Ascension app for tracking progress.

2. Introduction of the Luminous Mysteries

• (01:00) The focus for today: the first three Luminous Mysteries.
  • The Baptism of Jesus
  • The Wedding at Cana
  • The Proclamation of the Kingdom (and call to conversion)

Meditating on the Mysteries

The First Luminous Mystery: The Baptism of Jesus

(01:19–05:36)

• The prayer begins with the Our Father, followed by ten Hail Marys, a Glory Be, and the Fatima Prayer.
• The recitation is slow, reverent, allowing room for contemplation.
• Emphasis on forgiveness:

  “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.”
  — Fr. Mark-Mary [05:28]

The Second Luminous Mystery: The Wedding at Cana

(05:40–09:52)

• Again, a structured recitation with the Our Father, Hail Marys, and closing prayers.
• This Mystery centers on Christ’s first public miracle and Mary’s intercessory role.

The Third Luminous Mystery: The Proclamation of the Kingdom & Call to Conversion

(09:56–14:07)

• Continues the Rosary format, inviting listeners to reflect on Christ’s call to repentance and faith.
• Reinforces the heart of the Gospel message and personal conversion.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Encouragement to Persevere:

  “Thanks, everyone, for joining me and praying with me again today. I look forward to continuing this journey with you again tomorrow.”
  — Fr. Mark-Mary [14:15]

• Communal Blessing:

  “Friends, God bless y’all.”
  — Fr. Mark-Mary [14:22]

Timestamps of Important Segments

• [01:00] – Introduction to the day’s Mysteries & brief instructions
• [01:19] – First Luminous Mystery: The Baptism of Jesus
• [05:40] – Second Luminous Mystery: The Wedding at Cana
• [09:56] – Third Luminous Mystery: Proclamation of the Kingdom
• [14:07] – Final blessing and closing prayers

Tone & Style

• The episode maintains a calm, contemplative, prayer-focused tone, with gentle encouragement and gratitude.
• Language is simple, scriptural, and suited to participants at any stage in their spiritual lives.

Final Encouragement

Fr. Mark-Mary closes the prayer session by expressing appreciation for the community of listeners and encouraging continued daily prayer. He reinforces the message that this journey is done together, growing closer to Christ and Mary through the discipline and grace of the Rosary.

For a full prayer plan or more resources, listeners are directed to visit ascensionpress.com/riy.