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

Episode Title: Day 288: The Glorious Mysteries
Date: October 15, 2025
Host: Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR (Franciscan Friars of the Renewal)
Presented by: Ascension

Episode Overview

This episode of The Rosary in a Year podcast is dedicated to praying and meditating on the last four of the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary:

• The Ascension
• The Descent of the Holy Spirit (Pentecost)
• The Assumption of Mary
• The Coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth

Fr. Mark-Mary Ames leads listeners in a contemplative and community-style recitation, designed to deepen their relationship with Jesus and Mary through habitual prayerful reflection on these significant mysteries. The episode embodies the show’s mission: to bring participants into a rhythm of prayer that gradually transforms their hearts and lives.

Key Discussion Points and Structure

Brief Introduction & Resources

[00:04-01:10]

• Fr. Mark-Mary welcomes listeners, introduces the episode focus, and points to helpful resources:
  • “We're 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.” (Mark Mary, 00:04)
  • Mentions the Ascension app and the companion guidebook, supporting listeners' daily cultivation of prayer.

The Glorious Mysteries, Part Two

• The episode features the communal recitation of the last four Glorious Mysteries, each introduced by name and then prayed through with traditional Rosary prayers.
• Each mystery includes:
  • Announcement of the mystery
  • Praying of the Our Father
  • Ten Hail Marys
  • Glory Be
  • Fatima Prayer

1. The Ascension

[01:19-05:02]

• Announced as the “second Glorious Mystery” (Franciscan Friar, 01:19)
• “The Ascension”: Meditation on Christ ascending into Heaven.
• The entire decade recited by Mark-Mary and fellow participants, alternating lines.

2. The Descent of the Holy Spirit (Pentecost)

[05:06-08:53]

• Introduced: “The third glorious mystery is the descent of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost.” (Franciscan Friar, 05:06)
• Focuses on the birth of the Church, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
• Standard recitation, unbroken meditative pace.

3. The Assumption of Mary

[08:57-12:41]

• “The fourth glorious mystery is the Assumption of Mary.” (Franciscan Friar, 08:57)
• Reflects on Mary being assumed, body and soul, into Heaven.
• Prayers continue with calm, reverential tone.

4. The Coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth

[12:45-16:34]

• Announced: “The fifth glorious mystery is the coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth.” (Franciscan Friar & Mark Mary, 12:45-12:47)
• Celebration of Mary’s queenship in Heaven as a model of virtue and intercessor.
• Final decade of Hail Marys, Glory Be, and Fatima Prayer.

Closing Blessings and Community

[16:34-16:46]

• The team closes the Rosary with a united blessing:
  • “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.” (Prayer Leader & Mark Mary, 16:34-16:37)
• Warm words of encouragement from Fr. Mark-Mary and a friar:
  • “Thanks, everybody, for joining me and praying with me again today. I look forward to continuing this journey with you again tomorrow. Poco a poco.” (Franciscan Friar, 16:38)
  • “Friends, God bless you all.” (Prayer Participant 3, 16:46)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “We're 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.” — Mark Mary (00:04)
• “The Rosary in a year is brought to you by Ascension. This is day 288.” — Mark Mary (00:58)
• “The second Glorious Mystery is the Ascension.” — Franciscan Friar (01:19)
• “The third glorious mystery is the descent of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost.” — Franciscan Friar (05:06)
• “The fourth glorious mystery is the Assumption of Mary.” — Franciscan Friar (08:57)
• “The fifth glorious mystery is the coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth.” — Franciscan Friar & Mark Mary (12:45-12:47)
• “Thanks, everybody, for joining me and praying with me again today. I look forward to continuing this journey with you again tomorrow. Poco a poco.” — Franciscan Friar (16:38)
• “Friends, God bless you all.” — Prayer Participant 3 (16:46)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Introduction, resources, and preparation: 00:04–01:10
• Second Glorious Mystery: The Ascension: 01:19–05:02
• Third Glorious Mystery: The Descent at Pentecost: 05:06–08:53
• Fourth Glorious Mystery: The Assumption: 08:57–12:41
• Fifth Glorious Mystery: The Coronation: 12:45–16:34
• Final prayer and closing blessings: 16:34–end

Tone and Style

• The language remains gentle, warm, reverent, and deeply prayerful throughout.
• The communal rhythm of the prayers, with multiple voices, builds a sense of connectedness.
• No extended commentary or meditation is included; the focus is immersive, meditative prayer.

For Listeners New and Old

This episode is especially valuable as a guided, communal prayer experience, ideal for:

• Anyone seeking to pray the Glorious Mysteries in community.
• Listeners wanting to build daily prayer habits.
• Those wishing to deepen their Marian devotion or connect more closely with the life of Jesus through the lens of the Rosary.

For more information, daily readings, and the complete prayer plan, listeners are encouraged to visit Ascension Press – Rosary In a Year.