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

Episode: Day 298: The Glorious Mysteries
Date: October 25, 2025
Host: Ascension | Guide: Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR

Episode Overview

This episode guides listeners through the prayerful meditation of the last four Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary: the Ascension, the Descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, the Assumption of Mary, and the Coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth. Fr. Mark-Mary Ames and fellow friars lead the traditional Rosary prayers, fostering a rhythm that invites deep contemplation and spiritual participation. The episode is a practical, step-by-step invitation for building a daily prayer habit and deepening one's relationship with Jesus and Mary through the Rosary.

Key Discussion Points & Structure

1. Introduction & Purpose

• Fr. Mark-Mary welcomes listeners, contextualizes the day’s prayers (00:04–00:53), and encourages regular engagement with daily Rosary practice as a foundation for spiritual growth.
  • Notable Quote: “The Rosary brings us deeper into relationship with Jesus and Mary and becomes a source of grace for the whole world.” — Fr. Mark-Mary (00:06)

2. Announcement of Mysteries

• Today's focus is on the last four Glorious Mysteries (00:55–01:11):

  1. The Ascension
  2. The Descent of the Holy Spirit (Pentecost)
  3. The Assumption of Mary
  4. The Coronation of Mary
  • Notable Quote: “Today we will be praying and concluding the Glorious Mysteries, starting with the Second Glorious Mystery.” — Friar (00:53)

Detailed Breakdown of Mysteries

The Second Glorious Mystery: The Ascension

[01:19–05:00]

• Begins with the Our Father prayer.
• Ten Hail Marys follow, offered in a peaceful, meditative cadence by the friars and Fr. Mark-Mary.
• The Glory Be and Fatima prayer conclude the decade.
  • Memorable Moment: The communal recitation fosters a sense of unity and calm:
    “Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.” — All (Repeated, e.g., 03:09)

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

[05:04–08:42]

• Follows the same pattern:
  • Our Father (05:09)
  • Ten Hail Marys
  • Glory Be and Fatima prayer
• The prayers are softly and deliberately intoned, with each repetition inviting reflection on the coming of the Holy Spirit to the Apostles and Mary.
  • Notable Quote: “The third glorious mystery is ascent of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost.” — Prayer Leader (05:04)

The Fourth Glorious Mystery: The Assumption of Mary

[08:46–12:22]

• Continues the meditative format:
  • Our Father (08:49)
  • Ten Hail Marys
  • Glory Be and Fatima prayer
• The intention is on Mary’s transition into heaven, body and soul, and her ongoing intercession.
  • Memorable Moment: The seamless, prayerful exchange between participants underlines the communal dimension of Catholic devotion.

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

[12:26–16:00]

• Final decade:
  • Our Father (12:31)
  • Ten Hail Marys
  • Glory Be and Fatima prayer
• Listeners are encouraged to meditate on Mary’s queenship and her powerful intercession for humanity.
  • Notable Quote: “The fifth glorious mystery is the coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth.” — Prayer Leader (12:26)

Episode Closing

Reflection & Encouragement

[16:03–16:18]

• Fr. Mark-Mary closes with gratitude and a gentle encouragement for perseverance in prayer:
  • Quote: “Thanks, everybody, for joining me and praying with me again today... I look forward to continuing this journey with you again tomorrow.” — Fr. Mark-Mary (16:04)
  • Prayer Participant offers a signature sign-off:
    “Poco a poco, friends. God bless y’all.” (16:15–16:18)

Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• “The Rosary brings us deeper into relationship with Jesus and Mary and becomes a source of grace for the whole world.” — Fr. Mark-Mary (00:06)
• “Today we will be praying and concluding the Glorious Mysteries, starting with the Second Glorious Mystery.” — Friar (00:53)
• “The third glorious mystery is ascent of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost.” — Prayer Leader (05:04)
• Universal refrain in the Hail Marys: “Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.” (Repeated throughout)
• “Thanks, everybody, for joining me and praying with me again today... I look forward to continuing this journey with you again tomorrow.” — Fr. Mark-Mary (16:04)
• “Poco a poco, friends. God bless y’all.” — Prayer Participant (16:15–16:18)

Episode Highlights

• Structure: Meditative, slow-paced group prayer through the Glorious Mysteries—a strong aid for developing habitual prayer.
• Tone: Calm, gentle, inclusive—intended for every spiritual stage.
• Invitation: Listeners are encouraged to “fall more in love” with Marian devotion, with guidance to return daily for cumulative spiritual growth.

Timestamps Overview

| Segment | Timestamp | |-------------------------------------------------|---------------| | Opening & Intentions | 00:04–00:53 | | Second Glorious Mystery: Ascension | 01:19–05:00 | | Third Glorious Mystery: Pentecost | 05:04–08:42 | | Fourth Glorious Mystery: Assumption | 08:46–12:22 | | Fifth Glorious Mystery: Coronation | 12:26–16:00 | | Closing Remarks | 16:03–16:18 |

Summary

This episode is a focused, step-by-step prayerful experience of the four final Glorious Mysteries, led by Fr. Mark-Mary and accompanied by a community of friars. The gentle repetition and shared recitation help listeners enter deeply into meditation, reinforcing the podcast’s central message: the Rosary is a path to grace that can transform daily life, deepen relationships with Jesus and Mary, and unite participants in prayer for the world.