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

Episode: Day 283: The Glorious Mysteries
Date: October 10, 2025
Host: Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR (with participation from fellow friars and potentially Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Podcast by: Ascension

Episode Overview

Day 283 of The Rosary in a Year invites listeners to pray the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary together as a community. Guided by Fr. Mark-Mary (and possibly joined by Fr. Mike Schmitz and other friars), the episode is a meditative walk through the second to fifth Glorious Mysteries. Listeners are invited to experience the richness of the Rosary’s prayers, deepening their relationship with Jesus and Mary while reflecting on key moments from Scripture and Catholic tradition. This episode exemplifies the series’ goal: to help listeners form a daily habit and to “fall more in love with this powerful Marian devotion.”

Structure & Key Moments

Opening and Setting the Theme

• [00:04] The episode begins with a reminder of the Rosary’s power: “The Rosary brings us deeper into relationship with Jesus and Mary and becomes a source of grace for the whole world.”
• The day’s focus: finishing the set of Glorious Mysteries—specifically the Second through Fifth.

The Glorious Mysteries Prayed (Order & Highlights)

1. The Ascension of Jesus (Second Glorious Mystery)

   • [01:11–05:09]
   • Begins with “Our Father,” then ten Hail Marys, and “Glory be.”
   • Scriptural meditation: Jesus ascending to Heaven, fulfilling God's promise, inviting us to trust in His presence even when unseen.
   • Memorable moment: The repetitious comfort and unity of the traditional Hail Marys, grounding listeners in familiar Catholic rhythm.

2. The Descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (Third Glorious Mystery)

   • [05:12–09:09]
   • “Our Father,” ten Hail Marys, “Glory be.”
   • Meditation: The coming of the Holy Spirit upon Mary and the Apostles, initiating the Church’s mission.
   • Notable emphasis: The role of the Holy Spirit as “Advocate” guiding the Church and the faithful.

3. The Assumption of Mary (Fourth Glorious Mystery)

   • [09:12–13:14]
   • “Our Father,” ten Hail Marys, “Glory be.”
   • Reflecting on God bringing Mary, body and soul, into Heaven—model of hope for all Christians.
   • Tone: Joyful awe at Mary’s closeness to Jesus, hope for resurrection.

4. The Coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth (Fifth Glorious Mystery)

   • [13:14–16:52]
   • “Our Father,” ten Hail Marys, “Glory be.”
   • Meditating upon Mary’s queenship, her intercessory power, and her unique relationship with Christ as King.
   • Memorable moment: The repeated supplication for Mary’s prayers “now and at the hour of our death” emphasizes her role as intercessor.

Concluding Prayers & Reflection

• After each decade: “O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy.”
• Final doxology and sign of the cross: [17:17–17:21]
• [17:23] Host’s closing encouragement:
  • “All right. Thanks, everybody, for joining me and praying with me again today. I look forward to continuing this journey with you again tomorrow. Poco. Poco. Friends, God bless y'all.”

Notable Quotes & 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.” ([00:04], Introduction)

• During prayer for sinners:
  “O my Jesus, forgive us our sins. Save us from the fires of hell. Lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy.”
  (Repeated after each decade—e.g., [05:00], [09:09], [13:06], [17:12])

• On community and spiritual journey:
  “Thanks, everybody, for joining me and praying with me again today. I look forward to continuing this journey with you again tomorrow. Poco. Poco. Friends, God bless y’all.” ([17:23], Host’s closing)

Detailed Breakdown with Timestamps

| Segment | Timestamps | Description | |----------------------------------------|-------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------| | Opening & Introduction | 00:04–01:05 | Reminds listeners of the podcast’s prayer-driven community purpose | | Second Glorious Mystery: Ascension | 01:11–05:09 | Praying for trust in Jesus’ presence and mission | | Third Glorious Mystery: Pentecost | 05:12–09:09 | Meditating on the Holy Spirit as the life of the Church | | Fourth Glorious Mystery: Assumption| 09:12–13:14 | Reflecting on Mary’s hope-filled bodily assumption | | Fifth Glorious Mystery: Coronation | 13:14–16:52 | Contemplating Mary’s queenship and intercession | | Closing prayers and exhortation | 17:12–17:23 | With gratitude and hope for perseverance in prayer |

Key Insights

• The Rosary as Meditation & Community:
  The structure, rhythm, and repetition support not only personal meditation but also the feeling of praying in communion, regardless of where a listener is on their spiritual journey.
• Emphasis on Intercession:
  Across each mystery, the prayers highlight Mary’s role as intercessor and model faithfulness to God.
• Building Habit & Hope:
  The concluding remarks reinforce the purpose of daily prayer, progress ‘poco a poco’ (“little by little”), and encouragement for spiritual growth.

Summary

This episode serves as a sacred invitation to journey through the Glorious Mysteries, meditating on Christ’s triumph and Mary’s special place within God’s plan. Through the pace, chanting, and familiar formula, listeners are drawn into a heartfelt space of prayer—encouraged to keep building their habit day by day, “falling more in love” with the Rosary, and drawing grace for the whole world. The episode is accessible for regular Rosary devotees and newcomers alike, offering stability, warmth, and spiritual encouragement.