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

Episode: Day 328: The Joyful Mysteries
Date: November 24, 2025
Host: Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR (with participation from Fr. Mike Schmitz, Fr. Francis, and other Franciscan friars)
Podcast by: Ascension

Overview

This episode is a guided communal recitation of the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary, led by Fr. Mark-Mary Ames with fellow friars. The format is prayerful and meditative, designed to deepen the listener’s relationship with Jesus and Mary through the practice of the Rosary.

Purpose of the Episode

• To unite listeners in praying the Joyful Mysteries as a spiritual community
• To foster a daily habit of Marian devotion as a means of personal and communal grace
• To offer a simple, accessible Rosary meditation suitable for all ages and levels of experience

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Since this episode is entirely liturgical prayer, the structure strictly follows the traditional form of the Rosary. There is no homily, teaching, or theological discussion; the “content” is the prayer itself. However, notable aspects include:

1. Opening and Intentions

• Fr. Mike Schmitz introduces the episode, noting the day and expressing gratitude to listeners and supporters.
  • Notable Quote:
    “On behalf of myself and the whole team here at Ascension, we wanted to take this opportunity to thank everyone who's helped support this podcast financially. Your generosity is so appreciated and helps us to reach as many people as possible.” (00:22)

2. Structure of the Rosary

Each Joyful Mystery is announced, followed by:

• The Our Father
• 10 Hail Marys (with lines led and responded to by the friars)
• The Glory Be
• The Fatima Prayer (“O my Jesus, forgive us our sins…”)

The Joyful Mysteries Prayed:

1. The Annunciation (01:12–04:47)
2. The Visitation (04:55–08:27)
3. The Nativity (08:27–11:48)
4. The Presentation in the Temple (12:13–15:51)
5. The Finding of Jesus in the Temple (15:51–19:34)

Example of the Prayer Rhythm:

• “Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.”
  (This format is repeated for each decade.)

3. Closing and Blessing

• The Rosary concludes with a sign of the cross and a blessing from Fr. Francis and Fr. Mike Schmitz.

• Fr. Mike thanks listeners for joining and encourages continued participation.

  • Notable Quote:
    “Thanks, everyone, for joining me and praying with me today. I look forward to continuing this journey with you again tomorrow.” (19:43)

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• Community and Gratitude:
  “Your generosity is so appreciated and helps us to reach as many people as possible.” – Fr. Mike Schmitz (00:22)

• Repeated Prayerful Refrain:
  Throughout:
  “Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.”

• Encouragement:
  “Friends, God bless you.” – Fr. Mike Schmitz (19:51)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Opening and Introduction: 00:04–01:02
• First Joyful Mystery: The Annunciation: 01:12–04:47
• Second Joyful Mystery: The Visitation: 04:55–08:27
• Third Joyful Mystery: The Nativity: 08:27–11:48
• Fourth Joyful Mystery: The Presentation: 12:13–15:51
• Fifth Joyful Mystery: Finding Jesus in the Temple: 15:51–19:34
• Final Blessing and Goodbye: 19:34–end

Tone and Experience

• Reverent & Meditative: The language is formal, traditional, and consistent with liturgical prayer.
• Warm & Inviting: Fr. Mike’s sign-off and repeated expressions of gratitude foster a sense of communal warmth.

Summary for Listeners

This episode offers a shared, meditative experience of praying the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary. The format is ideal for those seeking to build a daily prayer habit or deepen their Marian devotion. Listeners pray alongside Fr. Mark-Mary Ames and his fellow friars, uniting in the universal prayers of the Church and becoming, as promised in the introduction, “a source of grace for the whole world.”