The Rosary in a Year (with Fr. Mark-Mary Ames): Day 315 – The Glorious Mysteries

Podcast: The Rosary in a Year
Host: Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR (with possible contributions by other friars)
Date: November 11, 2025
Episode Theme: Praying the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary

Episode Overview

This episode of "The Rosary in a Year" guides listeners through the prayerful recitation and meditation on the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary. Fr. Mark-Mary Ames leads the prayers, emphasizing the power of Marian devotion to deepen the relationship with Jesus and Mary and become a source of grace for the world. The episode is structured as a contemplative journey through each mystery, fostering a rhythm for daily prayer and a lived connection to the central events of the Christian faith.

Key Discussion Points and Structure

1. Introduction & Invitation to Prayer Resources

• [00:04–00:59]
  • Fr. Mark-Mary welcomes listeners and introduces the day’s focus on the Glorious Mysteries.
  • Listeners are encouraged to access the Rosary in a Year Prayer Plan and prayer guide through Ascension Press for supplementary scripture, saint reflections, and sacred art.
  • Emphasis on making the rosary a daily prayer habit:

    "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. Mark-Mary, 00:08)

2. The Glorious Mysteries – Step-by-Step Rosary Prayer

Each mystery is introduced, followed by the recitation of a decade of the Rosary:

First Glorious Mystery: The Resurrection

• [01:07–04:44]
  • Reflection on Christ’s victory over death.
  • Recitation of the decade, with repeated petitions for Mary’s intercession.

Second Glorious Mystery: The Ascension

• [04:48–08:27]
  • Focus on Jesus ascending to Heaven, affirming our hope and mission.
  • Continued meditative prayer on the mystery.

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

• [08:31–12:14]
  • Prayer centered on the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon Mary and the Apostles.
  • Highlights the role of the Spirit in empowering the Church.

Fourth Glorious Mystery: The Assumption of Mary

• [12:18–15:57]
  • Meditation on Mary’s assumption, body and soul, into Heaven.
  • Reinforces the hope of resurrection and union with God.

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

• [16:01–19:43]
  • Contemplates Mary's crowning and her role as Queen interceding for the faithful.
  • Repeated prayers for Mary’s intercession and God’s mercy.

3. Closing Blessing and Farewell

• [19:45–End]
  • The final sign of the cross signals the conclusion of the Rosary.
  • Fr. Mark-Mary thanks listeners for praying together and encourages perseverance in the prayer journey:

    “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, friends, God bless you.” (Fr. Mark-Mary, 19:47)

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• On the purpose of the Rosary:

  "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. Mark-Mary, 00:08)

• On the importance of consistency in prayer:

  “I look forward to continuing this journey with you again tomorrow. Poco a poco, friends, God bless you.” (Fr. Mark-Mary, 19:47)

• On seeking Mary’s intercession throughout (recurring line after every Hail Mary):

  “Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.”

• Mercy for all souls (conclusion of each decade):

  “Oh, 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.” (e.g., 04:37, 08:20, 12:07, 15:50, 19:35)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Introduction and invitation: 00:04–00:59
• First Glorious Mystery (Resurrection): 01:07–04:44
• Second Glorious Mystery (Ascension): 04:48–08:27
• Third Glorious Mystery (Pentecost): 08:31–12:14
• Fourth Glorious Mystery (Assumption): 12:18–15:57
• Fifth Glorious Mystery (Coronation): 16:01–19:43
• Final Blessing and Farewell: 19:45–End

Summary & Takeaways

This episode is wholly dedicated to prayerful immersion in the heart of the Glorious Mysteries, guiding listeners step-by-step through each one while fostering a quiet, contemplative spirit. Fr. Mark-Mary’s gentle tone and encouragement make the Rosary accessible, inviting all to embrace it as a daily practice of drawing closer to Jesus and Mary.

Listeners are reminded that praying the Rosary is not simply reciting words but is an act of meditative love that invokes grace for oneself and the world. The episode ends on a note of encouragement, inviting continued participation and slow, steady spiritual growth.

For the full prayer experience, listen via the Ascension app or access the Rosary in a Year Prayer Guide for enhanced reflection.