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

Episode: Day 278 – The Glorious Mysteries

Date: October 5, 2025
Host: Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR (with Fr. Mike Schmitz and prayer participants)
Podcast by: Ascension

Main Theme and Purpose

In this episode, the focus is the meditative prayer of the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary. Fr. Mark-Mary Ames and his fellow friars guide listeners through the communal experience of the Rosary, fostering a deeper relationship with Jesus and Mary. The prayerful recitation aims to serve as a source of grace and an opportunity to build a daily habit of contemplative prayer. Listeners are invited to persevere in this devotion "poco a poco" (little by little), allowing this Marian prayer to transform their spiritual lives.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Introduction and Intentions

• [01:04] Episode begins with gratitude to the Rosary in a Year community and financial supporters.
• Encouragement to follow along using the prayer plan and the Ascension app for added features.

Quote:
"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. Mike Schmitz ([00:14])

2. The Praying of the Glorious Mysteries

The prayers are recited in community, with each mystery clearly announced. Each decade contains traditional Rosary prayers: "Our Father", "Hail Mary", "Glory Be", and the "Fatima Prayer".

a. The Second Glorious Mystery: The Ascension

• [01:23] Begins with the "Our Father".
• [01:50–05:14] Recitation of the "Hail Mary" ten times, meditating on Christ's ascension into Heaven.
• [05:09] "Glory Be" and "O My Jesus" for the intentions of the world.

Quote:
"The second Glorious Mystery is the Ascension."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz ([01:23])

b. The Third Glorious Mystery: Descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost

• [05:22] Continues to the next mystery.
• [05:25–09:09] Communal prayer focusing on the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles.

c. The Fourth Glorious Mystery: The Assumption of Mary

• [09:12] Announces the next decade.
• [09:26–13:04] "Hail Mary" and related prayers, with contemplation on Mary's entrance into Heaven.

Quote:
"The fourth glorious mystery is the Assumption of Mary."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz ([09:12])

d. The Fifth Glorious Mystery: Coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth

• [13:10] Announces the final Glorious Mystery.
• [13:12–16:59] Guides listeners through prayerful reflection on Mary's queenship.

Quote:
"The fifth glorious mystery is the coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz ([13:12])

3. Communal Reflection and Encouragement

• [16:59–17:15] The episode closes with final blessings, an invitation to continue praying daily, and encouragement to take spiritual growth step by step ("poco a poco").

Quote:
"All right, thanks, everybody, for joining me and praying with me today. I look forward to continuing this journey with you again tomorrow."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz ([17:05])

Quote:
“Poco a poco, friends, God bless y’ all.”
— Prayer Participants ([17:12])

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• "Lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy." — Prayer team (Multiple timestamps; e.g., [05:16], [09:12], [13:07], [16:59])
• The repeated "Hail Mary" recitations are performed reverently as a group, fostering a palpable sense of community.
• The episode's end features the affectionate encouragement, "poco a poco" ("little by little"), underscoring the project's stepwise spiritual approach.

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [01:04] – Introduction, gratitude, and practical advice for following along.
• [01:23] – Start of the second Glorious Mystery: The Ascension.
• [05:22] – Third Glorious Mystery: Pentecost.
• [09:12] – Fourth Glorious Mystery: The Assumption of Mary.
• [13:10] – Fifth Glorious Mystery: Coronation of Mary.
• [16:59] – Closing prayers and blessing.
• [17:12] – Final community encouragement: "Poco a poco".

Episode Flow and Tone

• The tone is reverent, warm, and encouraging, with an emphasis on community prayer and internalizing the mysteries of Christ’s life through Mary.
• Fr. Mark-Mary and Fr. Mike Schmitz lead listeners clearly and gently, ensuring even newcomers feel welcome and guided.
• There are no digressions or stories—this episode is dedicated purely to prayerful recitation and Marian meditation.

Summary

This episode of the Rosary in a Year podcast invites listeners to journey through the Glorious Mysteries in prayerful meditation. The prayers, led by Fr. Mark-Mary and his fellow friars, are offered as a source of grace and encouragement for spiritual growth. Each decade is clearly announced, allowing listeners to enter into the rhythm of the Rosary, pausing to contemplate the Ascension, Pentecost, Assumption, and Coronation of Mary. The episode closes with warm encouragement to persevere in prayer “poco a poco”, nurturing the long-term habit of devotion.

For more resources and the complete prayer plan, visit ascensionpress.com/riy.