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

Episode: Day 293 – The Glorious Mysteries
Date: October 20, 2025
Host: Ascension, featuring Fr. Mike Schmitz and Franciscan Friars of the Renewal

Episode Overview

On Day 293 of "The Rosary in a Year," listeners are led in prayerful meditation on the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary. This episode centers on communal recitation, interweaving the familiar prayers of the Rosary with moments of meditative guidance. Fr. Mike Schmitz and several friars guide listeners through the Second, Third, Fourth, and Fifth Glorious Mysteries: The Ascension, the Descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, the Assumption of Mary, and Mary’s Coronation as Queen of Heaven and Earth. The approach is reverent and contemplative, inviting the audience to participate deeply in the mysteries and to offer intentions for the world.

Key Discussion Points & Prayers

1. Introduction and Purpose

• 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)

• Listeners are reminded about resources and how the daily prayer plan helps in forming a habit of prayer (00:19).

2. The Glorious Mysteries

Each mystery is introduced by Fr. Mike Schmitz, followed by communal recitation of the prayers central to the Rosary. The friars alternate leading the "Hail Mary" and related invocations.

The Second Glorious Mystery: The Ascension (01:22)

• “The second glorious Mystery is the Ascension.”
  – Fr. Mike Schmitz (01:22)

  • Begins with the "Our Father" and continues through a decade of "Hail Mary" prayers, each closed with invocations seeking Mary's intercession.

The Third Glorious Mystery: Descent of the Holy Spirit (05:08)

• “The third glorious mystery is the descent of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost.”
  – Friar 1 & Fr. Mike Schmitz (05:06–05:08)

  • As in the previous mystery, the prayers are recited communally, emphasizing the coming of the Holy Spirit and empowering the Church.

The Fourth Glorious Mystery: The Assumption (08:51)

• “The fourth glorious mystery is the Assumption.”
  – Friar 3 (08:51)

  • The team contemplates Mary's being assumed into heaven, offering a decade for this profound mystery.

The Fifth Glorious Mystery: The Coronation (12:38)

• “The fifth glorious mystery is the coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth.”
  – Friar 1 & Friar 3 (12:38–12:40)

  • The prayers focus on Mary's queenship, interceding for the Church and the world.

3. Continuous Intercession

After each decade, a “Glory Be” and the Fatima Prayer are offered:

• “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.”
  – Friars (e.g., 05:00, 08:48, 12:32, 16:16)

4. Closing and Blessing

• The Rosary concludes with the Sign of the Cross and a message of encouragement.
• “Thanks, everybody, for joining me and praying with me again today… I look forward to continuing this journey with you again tomorrow.”
  – Fr. Mike Schmitz (16:26–16:27)
• “Poco a poco. Friends, God bless y’all.”
  – Friar 2 & Friar 1 (16:31–16:33)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “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)

• Repeated invocation:
  “Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.”
  (Throughout all decades, e.g., 02:01, 05:46, 09:32, 13:36)

• Closing encouragement:
  “I look forward to continuing this journey with you again tomorrow.”
  – Fr. Mike Schmitz (16:27)

Timestamps for Major Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |----------------------------------------------------|------------| | Introduction & Context | 00:00–01:19| | The Ascension (2nd Glorious Mystery) | 01:22–05:06| | The Descent of the Holy Spirit (3rd Mystery) | 05:08–08:51| | The Assumption (4th Glorious Mystery) | 08:51–12:34| | The Coronation of Mary (5th Glorious Mystery) | 12:38–16:18| | Closing & Blessing | 16:21–16:33|

Tone & Style

• Reverent and Meditative: The recurring pattern of prayer and invocation fosters a prayerful, gentle atmosphere.
• Communal and Encouraging: Listeners are welcomed as participants in a journey, not just as an audience.
• Scripturally Rooted: References to the mysteries are clearly biblical and form the heart of each prayer segment.

Summary

This episode is a straightforward, prayer-centered meditation on the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary. It invites listeners not just to recite prayers, but to accompany Jesus, Mary, and the apostles in the defining moments of salvation history. Through repetition and unity, the friars model how the Rosary acts as “a source of grace for the whole world,” encouraging growth in daily prayer, deeper relationship with Christ and Mary, and fostering hope for the Church and humanity.

Listeners come away spiritually nourished, connected to the age-old rhythm of the Rosary, and reminded of God's presence in every mystery.