The Rosary in a Year (with Fr. Mark-Mary Ames)
Episode: Day 27: The Spirit Prepares Us (2026)
Date: January 27, 2026
Host: Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR
Podcast: Ascension
Episode Overview
In Day 27, titled The Spirit Prepares Us, Fr. Mark-Mary Ames reflects on the pivotal role the Holy Spirit plays in our journey of faith. Through personal stories, scriptural reflection (notably John 14:25 and Catechism 737), and honest testimony, Fr. Mark-Mary explores how the Holy Spirit illuminates hearts, grants deeper understanding, and continually calls us back to God—especially through prayer, scripture, the Eucharist, and moments of repentance. The episode is an invitation to recognize, depend on, and call upon the Holy Spirit daily, particularly when facing discouragement or spiritual dryness.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Holy Spirit’s Hidden But Transformative Work
- Fr. Mark-Mary shares that after 15+ years as a friar, he’s gained clarity about the Holy Spirit’s action in his life.
- Quote:
“The Holy Spirit in so many ways was working, but kind of working undercover.” (02:54)
- Quote:
- The Spirit’s activity began at Baptism — the indwelling of the Trinity, washing away of Original Sin, gift of faith.
- The Holy Spirit helps us:
- See deeper than physical senses.
- Understand truth beyond human reason.
- Experience scripture as the living Word of God, not just a book.
2. Faith as a Gift and the Spirit’s Power in Scripture
- Faith enables us to recognize scripture as divine revelation.
- The Spirit draws listeners to podcasts like this, and to desire grace:
- Quote:
“This…is a work of the Holy Spirit in you.” (08:22)
- Quote:
3. Catechism Reference: Paragraph 737
- Fr. Mark-Mary reads from the Catechism:
“The Spirit manifests the risen Lord to them, recalls his word to them, and opens their minds to the understanding of his death and resurrection…The Spirit prepares men and goes out to them with his grace in order to draw them to Christ.” (09:25)
- The discussion connects Christ’s promise of the Spirit (John 14:25) with the Eucharistic “remembrance”:
- Quote:
“He will send the Holy Spirit and…the Holy Spirit will teach you all things and bring to remembrance all that I have said to you.” (09:53)
- Quote:
4. Personal Testimony: The Spirit’s Guidance and Conviction
- At age 18, a conversation with an atheist in college dramatically awakened his faith.
- Quote:
“Like a lightning bolt, I was struck to the heart. The lights went on…I believe, I believe, and it needs to affect my whole life.” (12:17)
- Quote:
- Later, hearing about Mother Teresa confirmed his calling:
- Quote:
“I had this deep, deep, deep conviction that I was made to give my life to the poorest of the poor and nothing else would satisfy.” (13:55)
- Quote:
5. The Spirit in Conversion, Repentance, and Return
- Despite receiving countless graces, he recognizes times of squandering, comparable to the prodigal son.
- The Holy Spirit gave him hope and courage to return—especially through the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
- Quote:
“It was the Holy Spirit reminding me that I have a Father who is good and merciful, who brought me back to the Father.” (15:29)
- Quote:
- This peace is “greater than the world can give.” (15:54)
6. Encouragement to All Listeners
- For anyone doubting, discouraged, or spiritually weary:
- Quote:
“Our prayer is, Come, Holy Spirit. Come, Holy Spirit. Come, Holy Spirit. Renew us. Teach us. Inflame us with love. Grant us peace. Grant us hope.” (16:50-17:10)
- Quote:
- Fr. Mark-Mary urges listeners to invoke the Holy Spirit in all things and to trust in his renewing power.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On Scriptural Revelation:
“When I look at [the Bible] with my senses…It looks like a lot of other books, but I believe…this is in fact…the revealed Word of God…the wisdom it contains…it’s more than just the best efforts of…[humans].” (05:06)
- On the Eucharist:
“When I look at the Eucharist…with my human eyes, I see what everybody sees, a very, very, very humble piece of bread. But through the Holy Spirit at work in me, I know, I know that is Jesus.” (10:55)
- On Repentance:
“Again and again, I’ve returned to the Father. And it was the grace of the Holy Spirit giving me hope to return to the Lord, particularly to the Sacrament of reconciliation.” (15:03)
Important Timestamps
- 00:28 – 01:40: Invitation to download prayer guide and track progress
- 02:10 – 03:39: Scriptural foundation: John 14:25 and personal experience with the Spirit
- 05:00 – 07:00: How the Spirit transforms understanding of scripture
- 08:20 – 10:21: Catechism reflection on the Spirit’s activity and connection to the Eucharist
- 12:00 – 14:30: Personal stories: College encounter and vocation call
- 15:00 – 16:30: The Holy Spirit as comforter and restorer in confession
- 16:50 – 17:30: Communal prayer invoking the Holy Spirit
Episode’s Tone & Language
Fr. Mark-Mary’s style is reflective, conversational, and encouraging. He blends personal testimony with teachings from scripture and tradition, always addressing listeners as “my brothers and sisters.” His tone is pastoral and honest, mixing humility about failings with hope and faith in the Spirit’s continuing work.
Summary
Day 27: The Spirit Prepares Us is a heartfelt meditation on how the Holy Spirit quietly but powerfully shapes the journey of faith—opening eyes, transforming hearts, recalling us to God’s love, and sustaining us in prayer, the sacraments, and daily life. Fr. Mark-Mary shares both Church wisdom and very personal encounters to illustrate that all spiritual progress—however small—is a sign of the Spirit at work. The call is clear: invite the Holy Spirit in, let him prepare your heart, and trust him to lead you ever deeper into the mysteries of Jesus and Mary.