The Rosary in a Year (with Fr. Mark-Mary Ames)
Episode: Day 356 – The Joyful Mysteries
Date: December 22, 2025
Host: Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR | Presented by Ascension
Overview
In this episode of "The Rosary in a Year," Fr. Mark-Mary Ames leads listeners through a guided meditation on the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary. With thoughtful reflections and prayerful guidance, he invites the faithful to a deeper relationship with Jesus and Mary. The episode places particular emphasis on journeying with faith, drawing inspiration from sacred art, St. Joseph's silent faithfulness, and Mary's continuous assent to God's will—even amidst mystery and uncertainty.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Introduction & Purpose of the Rosary in a Year
(00:04–01:02)
- Fr. Mark-Mary welcomes listeners and explains the vision of the podcast: growing in Marian devotion, fostering a habit of daily prayer, and deepening intimacy with Christ through the Rosary.
- He thanks supporters and reminds listeners of resources at Ascension Press.
2. Prayers to Begin the Rosary
(01:02–02:10)
- Apostles’ Creed, prayers for the Holy Father, and introductory Hail Marys for an increase in faith, hope, and charity.
3. Meditation on the Joyful Mysteries
First Joyful Mystery: The Annunciation
(03:14–04:49)
- Fr. Mark-Mary reflects on Jan van Eyck’s painting of the Annunciation: "The Annunciation from the angel is written so the viewer reads it, but Mary’s response is upside down, showing she’s speaking directly to God." (03:27)
- Emphasis: Mary’s life is lived in constant dialogue with God—her every experience is filtered through her relationship with the Divine.
- “We want to live it like Mary. We want to pray through it like Mary, always in relationship with God, always offering it to Him… mourning it, grieving it with Him, rejoicing in it with Him.” (04:18)
- Invitation: Bring your personal circumstances to God in prayer as Mary would.
Second Joyful Mystery: The Visitation
(08:29–09:59)
- Reflection centers on St. Joseph's presence, inspired by Federico Barocci’s painting.
- “I really see Joseph here being an icon and an instrument of God the Father’s paternal care… an instrument of God’s fatherly care for Mary.” (09:10)
- Thought: Even though Joseph’s participation is not explicit in the Gospels, Fr. Mark-Mary suggests he likely accompanied Mary, offering protection and care.
- Takeaway: Rejoice in the tenderness of God’s fatherly care made visible in St. Joseph; be moved by this quiet, unwavering support.
Third Joyful Mystery: The Nativity
(13:37–15:26)
- Focus again on St. Joseph’s protective role during Christ’s birth.
- “I just don’t think these [encounters with shepherds and Magi] happen if St. Joseph isn’t there… Because St. Joseph is there, Mary is safe, Mary’s protected, and that door can be open to the shepherds, to the Magi… allowing all of us… to enjoy the fruits of those encounters.” (14:21)
- Insight: The security Joseph provided created space for others to encounter Jesus genuinely and safely.
- Encouragement: Entrust yourself and loved ones to Joseph’s spiritual protection and intercession.
Fourth Joyful Mystery: The Presentation in the Temple
(19:05–21:04)
- Simeon’s prophecy reveals that Mary’s “yes” to God will lead to suffering: “Simeon prophesies that a sword will pierce her own heart… but what it will look like still remains veiled in mystery.” (19:33)
- Mary’s Fiat is not a one-time event but a continual, repeated assent to God.
- “Mary said yes to being the mother of the Savior at the Annunciation… Here in the temple, Mary says a deeper yes, a new yes, an ongoing yes to being the mother of a suffering, sacrificial Savior.” (19:47)
- Exhortation: Ask for grace to renew your own “yes” to God daily, just as Mary did.
Fifth Joyful Mystery: The Finding of Jesus in the Temple
(24:46–26:07)
- Emphasis on the journey of faith and embracing mystery: “We with Mary have to get comfortable with mystery… pilgrimage of faith… things kept becoming more and more clear.” (25:03)
- Mary is secure in her identity and her trust in God, even when not all is revealed at once.
- “Mary was comfortable with mystery because she was secure in her identity and she was secure in his identity, in the Lord’s identity.” (25:40)
- Invitation: Take the next step in faith, trusting God in the midst of life’s mysteries.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “We want to live it like Mary. We want to pray through it like Mary, always in relationship with God…” – Fr. Mark-Mary (04:18)
- “Joseph here [is] being an icon and an instrument of God the Father’s paternal care…” – Fr. Mark-Mary (09:10)
- “Mary said yes to being the mother of the Savior at the Annunciation… a deeper yes, a new yes, an ongoing yes…” – Fr. Mark-Mary (19:47)
- “We with Mary have to get comfortable with mystery. Mary… was on a pilgrimage of faith.” – Fr. Mark-Mary (25:01)
Timestamps for Key Content
- Introduction and Purpose (00:04–01:02)
- Opening Prayers (01:02–02:10)
- First Joyful Mystery: Annunciation Reflection (03:14–04:49)
- Second Joyful Mystery: Visitation Reflection on St. Joseph (08:29–09:59)
- Third Joyful Mystery: Nativity, Joseph’s Role (13:37–15:26)
- Fourth Joyful Mystery: Presentation, Mary’s Fiat (19:05–21:04)
- Fifth Joyful Mystery: Embracing Mystery in Faith (24:46–26:07)
- Closing Prayers & Blessing (29:50–30:53)
Tone and Takeaways
Fr. Mark-Mary’s tone is gentle, reflective, and deeply pastoral, offering encouragement and insight in everyday language. The episode is imbued with warmth, gratitude, and profound reverence for the mysteries of faith.
Takeaways for Listeners:
- Regular meditation on the mysteries of the Rosary brings deeper intimacy with Jesus and Mary.
- Embrace the complexities and mysteries of faith with trust and ongoing yes.
- Draw inspiration from the hidden faithfulness of St. Joseph and the persistent surrender of Mary.
- Entrust yourself and loved ones to God’s providential care, especially through Mary’s and Joseph’s intercession.
For more resources and the Rosary in a Year Prayer Plan:
https://ascensionpress.com/riy