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

Episode: Day 323 – The Glorious Mysteries
Date: November 19, 2025
Host: Ascension | Led by Fr. Francis and Fr. Mike Schmitz

Episode Overview

This episode is a guided, contemplative recitation of the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary. It invites listeners to enter deeply into five pivotal events in the lives of Jesus and Mary, using the structure of the Rosary to immerse themselves in prayer and meditation. The episode is designed to help build a daily prayer habit and foster a living relationship with Christ and Mary. The tone is gentle, reverent, and inviting, meant for beginners and seasoned prayer warriors alike.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Introduction & Intentions

(00:04–01:00)

• Fr. Mike Schmitz opens by introducing the episode as part of Ascension’s “Rosary in a Year” journey.
• Listeners are reminded that praying the Rosary is about deepening one’s relationship with Jesus and Mary and drawing divine grace into their lives.
  • Quote: “The Rosary brings us deeper into relationship with Jesus and Mary and becomes a source of grace for the whole world.” (00:14, Fr. Mike Schmitz)
• The focus of today’s prayer: The Glorious Mysteries.

2. Praying the Five Glorious Mysteries

(01:04–19:42)

The structure is meditative and repetitive, guiding listeners through each mystery step-by-step:

First Glorious Mystery: The Resurrection

• Reflection: Celebrates Jesus’ victory over death and the promise of new life.
• Prayers: “Our Father” followed by ten “Hail Marys.”
• Notable Closing: “O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell. And lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy.” (04:34–04:55, Fr. Francis & Fr. Mike Schmitz)

Second Glorious Mystery: The Ascension

• Reflection: Honors Christ’s return to the Father and His commissioning of the apostles.
• Prayers: “Our Father,” ten “Hail Marys,” and the closing prayers.
• Tone: Gentle cadence, emphasizing hope and fulfillment.

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

• Reflection: Commemorates the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and the birth of the Church.
• Prayers continue in the same meditative pattern.
• Notable Quote: “The third glorious mystery is the descent of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost.” (08:42, Fr. Mike Schmitz)

Fourth Glorious Mystery: The Assumption of Mary

• Reflection: Celebrates the Virgin Mary’s entrance into heaven, body and soul.
• The prayers proceed in a calm, rhythmic flow.

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

• Reflection: Honors Mary’s crowning and her role as intercessor for all believers.
• Memorable Moment: “The fifth glorious mystery is the coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth.” (16:08, Fr. Mike Schmitz)

Each decade concludes with the “Glory Be” and the “O My Jesus” prayers, reinforcing the communal, intercessory nature of the Rosary.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Universal Call for Prayer:
  “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)

• Clarity on Each Mystery:
  “The third glorious mystery is the descent of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost.”
  — Fr. Mike Schmitz (08:42)

• On Mary’s Role:
  “The fifth glorious mystery is the coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth.”
  — Fr. Mike Schmitz (16:08)

• Prayer for Others:
  “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.”
  — Fr. Francis (throughout the closing of each decade, e.g. 04:53)

• Communal Encouragement:
  “Thanks, everyone, for joining me and praying with me today. I look forward to continuing this journey with you again tomorrow.”
  — Fr. Mike Schmitz (19:51)

• Spirit of the Podcast:
  “Poco a poco, friends. God bless you.”
  — Fr. Mike Schmitz (19:56)

Timestamps of Important Segments

• Introduction and Intentions: 00:04–01:00
• First Mystery: The Resurrection: 01:11–04:55
• Second Mystery: The Ascension: 04:59–08:38
• Third Mystery: Descent of the Holy Spirit: 08:42–12:25
• Fourth Mystery: The Assumption: 12:25–16:08
• Fifth Mystery: The Coronation: 16:08–19:42
• Closing Remarks: 19:51–End

Episode Takeaways

• The Glorious Mysteries offer a meditative journey through core events of Christian hope, victory, and promise.
• The communal and repetitive nature of the Rosary serves to deepen interior prayer and connect the faithful across time and place.
• The gentle encouragement and steady leadership in prayer make the Rosary accessible and meaningful for all, regardless of where they are in their spiritual walk.