The Rosary in a Year (with Fr. Mark-Mary Ames), Day 344: The Glorious Mysteries

Date: December 10, 2025
Host: Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR
Producer: Ascension

Episode Overview

This episode centers on praying and deeply reflecting on the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary. Fr. Mark-Mary Ames weaves scriptural, artistic, and theological insights into the step-by-step prayer, inviting listeners to connect each mystery with their own lives and struggles. By incorporating sacred art and imagery, the reflections highlight how meditating on the Rosary can fuel hope, faith, and a sense of lasting relationship with Christ and Our Lady.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Introduction and Purpose (00:04 – 01:03)

• Intent: To journey together in prayer and meditation so the Rosary draws us into deeper relationship with Jesus and Mary, serving as a source of grace for the world.
• Participation: Fr. Mark-Mary mentions the community of friars and listeners worldwide.
• Reminder: Listeners are encouraged to download the Rosary prayer plan and to use available resources for ongoing support.

1. The First Glorious Mystery: The Resurrection (03:27 – 04:40)

• Sacred Art Meditation:
  Fr. Mark-Mary invites listeners to meditate on Caravaggio’s “The Incredulity of St. Thomas.”
  • “Caravaggio captures this really tender and intimate moment in which Jesus invites Thomas to touch his side, to place his hand in his wounds.” (03:39)
• Application:
  • Jesus’ openness to Thomas’s doubt is a model for bringing one’s own struggles and questions to God.
  • “He is willing to come and meet us where you’re at. He wants you to be honest with him, to tell him what you need, like Thomas did.” (03:50)
  • Sincerity and authenticity in doubt are presenting as pathways to sanctity, as with St. Thomas.

2. The Second Glorious Mystery: The Ascension (08:19 – 09:23)

• Insight on Presence:
  • “When Jesus took flesh, he took upon himself like the limitations of the world. ... But now the mystery of his ascension, he reveals that his way of being present to us, now it’s different.” (08:24)
  • Christ is now present in a “complete and total way” beyond the limits of space and time.
  • “Every moment, even now, he is with you, gazing upon you, if you will, making eye contact with you. Listening to you with undivided attention.” (09:04)
• Action:
  • Listeners are invited to receive this “divine presence”—Christ’s attentive love and unwavering gaze.

3. The Third Glorious Mystery: The Descent of the Holy Spirit (13:01 – 13:56)

• Sacred Art Meditation:
  Listeners are encouraged to visualize Jean II Restout’s painting of Pentecost—Mary at the center, confident and calm amid wind and fire.
  • “Might she have been reminded of another moment... in the mystery we call the Annunciation?” (13:22)
  • “Can we pray for the grace to, like Mary, receive the Holy Spirit again... deeper and deeper... with boldness and love?” (13:46)
• Spiritual Invitation:
  • To ask for an ever deeper outpouring of the Holy Spirit, receiving him with openness and courage as Mary did.

4. The Fourth Glorious Mystery: The Assumption of Mary (17:41 – 18:42)

• Typological Reflection:
  • Mary is called the “New Ark of the Covenant”, paralleling how the Ark was brought to Jerusalem, the Holy City, in the Old Testament.
  • “The Ark, the dwelling place of God... was brought to Jerusalem by David, eventually finding its home in the Temple. So too the new Ark, Mary, ... is brought to heaven, the eternal temple, ... by the new David.” (18:03)
  • “Just as David ensured the Ark ... would be brought to Jerusalem, how much more would Jesus ensure his mother would be brought to the heavenly Jerusalem?” (18:29)
• Lesson:
  • Affirms Mary’s Assumption is deeply rooted in biblical themes and foreshadowing.

5. The Fifth Glorious Mystery: Coronation of Mary as Queen (22:24 – 23:21)

• Personal Reflection:
  • Fr. Mark-Mary shares a relatable anecdote about “fancy friends”—and how personal connection strengthens advocacy.
  • “The good news being that we have the best of friends in the highest of places. Mary is our queen, right?” (22:49)
  • “She uses this authority she has as the queen of Heaven and earth to pour out graces upon us, interceding on our behalf to her son, again and again and again for all the graces that we need.” (23:00–23:11)
• Call to Action:
  • Entrust your needs and desires to Mary; she knows you, loves you, and powerfully intercedes for you.

Closing Prayers, Thanksgiving, and Blessing (27:11–28:14)

• Hail, Holy Queen:
  • The group recites the “Hail, Holy Queen,” emphasizing Mary’s role as Mother of Mercy and Advocate. (27:11)
• Concluding Prayer:
  • Prayer for the grace to imitate and obtain the promises contained in the Mysteries of the Most Holy Rosary. (27:42)
• Departure Blessing:
  • Fr. Mark-Mary’s warm farewell: “Thanks, everyone, for joining me and praying with me today. I look forward to continuing this journey with you again tomorrow. Poco a poco, friends. God bless.” (28:07)

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• On Doubt and Faith:
  “He is willing to come and to meet us and to meet you where you’re at. He wants you to be honest with him, to tell him what you need, like Thomas did... This sincerity, this authenticity, is what makes doubting Thomas actually St. Thomas.” (03:50)
• On Christ’s Presence:
  “Every moment, even now, he is with you, gazing upon you... Listening to you with undivided attention.” (09:04)
• On Mary’s Reception of the Spirit:
  “Could it be that Mary recognizes in this moment the God she loves descending upon her again?” (13:37)
• On Mary, the New Ark:
  “So too [as with the Ark of the Covenant] the new Ark, Mary... is brought to heaven, the eternal temple, ... by the new David.” (18:03)
• On Entrusting Our Needs:
  “We have the best of friends in the highest of places. Mary is our queen... who knows us and who loves us.” (22:49, 23:15)

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Time | Segment |
|-----------|--------------------------------------------------------| | 00:04 | Introduction and context |
| 03:27 | The Resurrection: meditation on Caravaggio |
| 08:19 | The Ascension: Christ’s presence explained |
| 13:01 | Pentecost: Mary and the Holy Spirit |
| 17:41 | The Assumption: Ark of the Covenant reflection |
| 22:24 | Coronation: Mary as Queen, a friend in high places |
| 27:11 | Closing prayers: Hail Holy Queen, concluding blessing |

Overall Tone and Style

The episode maintains a gentle, invitational, and personal tone throughout, blending traditional prayer with heartfelt spiritual mentorship. Fr. Mark-Mary’s reflections are both accessible and evocative, encouraging listeners to engage the Mysteries deeply and personally.

For New and Regular Listeners

• This episode models a Rosary experience blending prayer, art, scripture, and spiritual direction.
• Fr. Mark-Mary’s meditations urge listeners to approach God and Mary with honesty, childlike trust, and confidence in their loving attention and care.

Resource:
For more structure and support in daily Rosary prayer, listeners are invited to visit ascensionpress.com/riy for the prayer plan and related content.