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

Episode: Day 335 – The Glorious Mysteries
Date: December 1, 2025
Host: Ascension (Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR, with Franciscan Friars of the Renewal)

Episode Overview

This episode immerses listeners in meditative prayer by guiding them through the five Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary. Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, alongside several friars, voices each prayer and reflection, modeling a deeply contemplative, communal style. The tone is reverent, gentle, and rhythmic, offering spiritual enrichment and fostering a sense of unity with listeners, wherever they are in their faith journey.

Key Discussion Points & Prayer Structure

1. Introduction to the Day’s Mysteries

• Fr. Mark-Mary welcomes listeners and introduces the Glorious Mysteries, emphasizing the Rosary’s power to draw us closer to Jesus and Mary and to serve as a source of grace for the world.
  • Quote (Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, 00:14): “The Rosary…brings us deeper into relationship with Jesus and Mary and becomes a source of grace for the whole world.”

2. Structure of Each Mystery

For each of the five Glorious Mysteries, the format follows:

• Announcement of the Mystery
  • e.g., “The first glorious Mystery is the Resurrection.” (Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, 01:12)
• Our Father prayer is led.
• Ten Hail Marys are recited, shared among friars, fostering a communal prayer experience.
• Glory Be and Fatima Prayer conclude each decade.

The Glorious Mysteries

1. The Resurrection

• Reflects on Christ’s rising from the dead, the cornerstone of Christian faith and hope.
• The prayers center on gratitude for Jesus’ victory over death and our share in new life.
  • Quote (Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, 01:12): “The first glorious Mystery is the Resurrection.”

2. The Ascension

• Meditates on Jesus’ ascension into heaven and the promise of His continued presence.
• Prayers foster hope for joining Christ in eternal glory.
  • Quote (Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, 04:41): “The second glorious mystery is the Ascension.”

3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit (Pentecost)

• Focuses on the Holy Spirit’s empowerment of the Church and every believer.
• Recognition of spiritual gifts and courage to witness in everyday life.
  • Quote (Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, 08:13): “The third glorious mystery is the descent of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost.”

4. The Assumption of Mary

• Celebrates Mary’s being taken body and soul into heaven, a model for all believers.
• Prayers include seeking her intercession and a longing for union with God.
  • Quote (Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, 11:47): “The fourth glorious mystery is the Assumption.”

5. The Coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth

• Honors Mary as Queen, with prayers of trust in her powerful intercession.
• Encourages all to strive for holiness and eternal life with God.
  • Quote (Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, 15:27): “The fifth glorious mystery is the coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth.”

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Fatima Prayer after each decade:
  “Oh, 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.” (e.g., 04:33, 08:06, 11:40, 15:18, 19:04)

  • This prayer is a recurring, heartfelt expression of hope and compassion for all souls.

• Communal Nature:
  The rotating voices for the Hail Marys and communal “Amen” responses create a palpable sense of unity, reflecting the tradition of group prayer even for listeners praying alone.

• Closing Blessings:

  • Quote (Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, 19:15): “Thanks, everyone, for joining me and praying with me today.”
  • Quote (Friar, 19:18): “I look forward to continuing this journey with you again tomorrow. Poco a poco, friends. God bless y' all.”
    • Memorable moment: The sign-off “Poco a poco”—“little by little”—is a gentle encouragement toward daily spiritual progress.

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Intro & Thank You: 00:00–01:00
• First Glorious Mystery—Resurrection: 01:12
• Second Glorious Mystery—Ascension: 04:41
• Third Glorious Mystery—Pentecost: 08:13
• Fourth Glorious Mystery—Assumption: 11:47
• Fifth Glorious Mystery—Coronation: 15:27
• Concluding Prayers & Sign-off: 19:10–end

Faithful Tone & Invitation

• The episode’s tone is peaceful, meditative, and invitational—designed for full participation, whether praying silently, aloud, or simply listening in unison with others.
• Listeners are reminded: “By starting small and adding on over time, you’ll find yourself falling more in love with this powerful Marian devotion.”

Useful For

• Anyone looking to start or deepen a daily Rosary habit.
• Those seeking meditative support and encouragement in their spiritual life.
• Listeners hungry for a sense of community and tradition in prayer.

For the full prayer plan and additional resources, visit ascensionpress.com/riy.