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

As Jesus ascends to heaven, St. Augustine tells us to hold fast to Christ. Fr. Mark-Mary explains that we can do this through works of charity, using Matthew 25 and a personal anecdote to share how everyone can hold fast to Christ. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Ascension and we will be praying one decade of the Rosary. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

Transcribed - Published: 5 May 2025

 We were buried with Christ by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead, we too might walk in newness of life. Fr. Mark-Mary, with a reading by St. Augustine, explains the integral connection between baptism and the mystery of the Resurrection. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Resurrection and we will be praying one decade of the Rosary. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

Transcribed - Published: 4 May 2025

St.  Bridget's Revelations tells us of the crucifixion through Mary’s eyes. Fr. Mark-Mary explains that by meditating through Mary, we see Our Lord’s passion magnified, expressing the true depth of the sorrow in this moment. However, not only is our sorrow magnified, but our gratitude too can be magnified as we see through Mary’s eyes. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Crucifixion and we will be praying one decade of the Rosary. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

Transcribed - Published: 3 May 2025

Carrying the cross was meant to be a dishonor, but Jesus carried his cross as a sign of his glory, as a victory carries his trophy. Fr. Mark-Mary reveals how we too can turn our sufferings into trophies of glory, as he reads from St. Thomas Aquinas.  We may not experience the victory immediately, but we can trust that Jesus will bring victory. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Carrying of the Cross and we will be praying one decade of the Rosary. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

Transcribed - Published: 2 May 2025

Pilate tried to compromise on truth. His concern was not justice, but instead self-preservation. Fr. Mark-Mary reads from Venerable Fulton J. Sheen, emphasizing that we must not compromise on Jesus. We have to commit to the truth. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Crowning with Thorns and we will be praying one decade of the Rosary. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

Transcribed - Published: 1 May 2025

Jesus suffered tremendously to show his love for us and to win us for himself. And yet, many of us don't receive this gift and continue to live our lives as if Jesus’ passion never happened. Fr. Mark-Mary reads from St. Faustina, who tells us that Jesus found consolation in her sincere sorrow for his passion. Today, we are called to be like St. Faustina, to be the one who remembers the depths of Jesus’ love. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Scourging at the Pillar and we will be praying one decade of the Rosary. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

Transcribed - Published: 30 April 2025

 In the final moments before his arrest, Jesus is praying for the apostles. This is the movement of love when it encounters suffering and difficulty, says Fr. Mark-Mary. Drawing from St. Hilary of Poitiers, we meditate on bringing our suffering to the Father, so that it might become a grace for others. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Agony in the Garden and we will be praying one decade of the Rosary. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

Transcribed - Published: 29 April 2025

How does transubstantiation happen, and what do we receive when we receive the Eucharist? Fr. Mark-Mary shares some catechesis on the Eucharist, drawing from St. Cyril of Jerusalem, who is sometimes  referred to as the doctor of catechesis. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Institution of the Eucharist and we will be praying one decade of the Rosary. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

Transcribed - Published: 28 April 2025

The mystery of the Transfiguration begins with ascent to the heavenly mountain, but ends with descent, back to the world. As much as Peter would like to remain atop the mountain, Jesus calls him to persevere in  life of charity, a holy life in the world. Fr. Mark-Mary, with help from St. Augustine, reflects on living out the balance of our call to the mountain and our call to live lives of charity in the world. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Transfiguration and we will be praying one decade of the Rosary. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

Transcribed - Published: 27 April 2025

Jesus has a plan for your life, a plan to continue his divine mission through you. Fr. Mark-Mary shares a reading from St. John Eudes, explaining how we can continue to proclaim the kingdom in our own lives, continuing Jesus’ mission. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Proclamation of the Kingdom and Call to Conversion and we will be praying one decade of the Rosary. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

Transcribed - Published: 26 April 2025

Two weddings are being celebrated at the wedding feast at Cana. As the divine bridegroom, Jesus’ relationship to his bride, the Church, changes here. Fr. Mark-Mary reads from St. John Newman, revealing the similarities of the beginning of Jesus’ ministry and the wedding happening in Cana. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Wedding Feast at Cana and we will be praying one decade of the Rosary. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

Transcribed - Published: 25 April 2025

St. Gregory of Nazianzus offers us a reading on Christ’s baptism, full of scriptural references to the Old Testament and the Trinity. Fr. Mark-Mary provides us with historical information on St. Gregory’s teachings on the Trinity, and a meditation on  the person of Jesus and our baptism into his mystical body as the means of salvation. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Baptism of Jesus and we will be praying one decade of the Rosary. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

Transcribed - Published: 24 April 2025

Spoiler alert: Jesus is Lord! While the mystery of the Finding in the Temple is not the climax of Jesus’ story, for the first century man or woman, this is an attention grabbing moment. Fr. Mark-Mary, reading from St. Cyril of Alexandria, reminds us that this is when Jesus first begins to reveal his divinity. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Finding of Jesus in the Temple and we will be praying one decade of the Rosary. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

Transcribed - Published: 23 April 2025

 Mary gave consent to Jesus’ sacrifice in the mystery of the Annunciation, but in the mystery of the Presentation, God asks her to recommit to this solemn sacrifice. Fr. Mark-Mary tells us that in every moment, God is asking us to recommit ourselves to him and be faithful, as Mary does at Jesus’ Presentation. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple and we will be praying one decade of the Rosary. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

Transcribed - Published: 22 April 2025

God so profoundly wants us to have confidence to approach him, that he veils his glory and clothes himself in humble humanity, saying, “Come to Me.” Fr. Mark-Mary meditates on a reading from St. Bernard, observing the grandeur of God’s creation and the humility of his Incarnation. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Nativity and we will be praying one decade of the Rosary. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

Transcribed - Published: 21 April 2025

God doesn’t just stay in heaven and wait for us to approach him. Instead, as reflected in the mystery of the Visitation, God comes in search of us.  Fr. Mark-Mary tells us, reading from  St. Ambrose, that not only does Mary, the mother of God, seek out Elizabeth, but she even greets her first. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Visitation and we will be praying one decade of the Rosary. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

Transcribed - Published: 20 April 2025

 St. Gregory Thaumaturgus means St. Gregory the “wonder worker,” Fr. Mark-Mary tells us. Leading us through a reading from St. Gregory, Fr. Mark-Mary directs us to meditate on the true wonder of the Annunciation. God has come to save his people, wanting them to experience forgiveness and freedom. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Annunciation and we will be praying one decade of the Rosary. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

Transcribed - Published: 19 April 2025

A Queen is set apart, but Mary, as Queen of Heaven and Earth is set apart so that as our mother she can draw us up to her son. When we are too little to reach the heights of holiness, she lifts us up, says Fr. Mark-Mary, reading from St. John Damascene. We ask Our Lady to help us echo her fiat and do the Father’s will. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Coronation of Mary and we will be praying one decade of the Rosary. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

Transcribed - Published: 18 April 2025

The mystery of the Assumption reveals to us that true beauty lies not in earthly appearances, but heavenly things, in heaven, our true home. Fr. Mark-Mary reads from Venerable Fulton Sheen, meditating on the Assumption lifting us out of earthly despair to heavenly joy. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Assumption and we will be praying one decade of the Rosary. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

Transcribed - Published: 17 April 2025

Sometimes it feels like Jesus gets more attention than the Holy Spirit. Fr. Mark-Mary, with help from a reading by  St. Ambrose, dives into the role of the Holy Spirit in our prayer, and how we ought to worship the third person of the Blessed Trinity. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Descent of the Holy Spirit and we will be praying one decade of the Rosary. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

Transcribed - Published: 16 April 2025

Heaven is more than just a theological reality. Heaven can be a personal truth we approach with profound love, longing to join Jesus in heaven. Fr. Mark-Mary reads from St. Thomas Aquinas, leading us in meditation on the mystery of the Ascension. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Ascension and we will be praying one decade of the Rosary. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

Transcribed - Published: 15 April 2025

Meditating on a reading from St. John Chrysostom, we recall that Jesus’ victory over death is eternal. Fr. Mark-Mary encourages us to take comfort in keeping eternal things eternal and temporary things temporary. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Resurrection and we will be praying one decade of the Rosary. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

Transcribed - Published: 14 April 2025

Mary was preserved by special grace from sin, but Mary was also human, requiring her to journey on the same spiritual pilgrimage we all undertake. Here, on Calvary, we see Mary reach the conclusion of her pilgrimage of faith, as we are led by a reading from St.  Alphonsus Liguori. Fr. Mark-Mary tells us that at this moment, Mary fully understands her son’s mission. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Crucifixion and we will be praying one decade of the Rosary. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

Transcribed - Published: 13 April 2025

On the day of the crucifixion, three crosses were carried. Yet, there’s only one cross that we honor, only one cross that is featured as a mystery of the Rosary. Fr. Mark-Mary reads from St. Josemaría Escrivá, meditating on how Jesus’ cross was carried freely with love, making it the throne of the King of love. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Carrying of the Cross and we will be praying one decade of the Rosary. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

Transcribed - Published: 12 April 2025

 Instead of a crown of glory, they imposed on him a crown of indignity, St. Thomas Aquinas writes of the Crowning with Thorns. Fr. Mark-Mary recalls a learning experience on a trip to Nebraska, explaining the true nature of indignity, and relating it to Jesus’ experience during his passion. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Crowning with Thorns and we will be praying one decade of the Rosary. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

Transcribed - Published: 11 April 2025

Drawing upon St. Bridget of Sweden’s work, Revelations, we meditate on the Scourging at the Pillar from Mary’s perspective. Fr. Mark-Mary reminds us that this is the fulfillment of Simeon’s prophecy to Mary, as she witnesses her son undergo his Passion. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Scourging at the Pillar and we will be praying one decade of the Rosary. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

Transcribed - Published: 10 April 2025

When we experience  real, deep, human fear and anguish, we can draw hope from the fact that Jesus has experienced these things before us. Fr. Mark-Mary shares a story of one of his fellow friars guiding new friars through their fear of heights, highlighting that by staying in dialogue with the Father, we find our hope beyond fear. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Agony in the Garden and we will be praying one decade of the Rosary. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

Transcribed - Published: 9 April 2025

Aided by a meditation from St. Catherine of Siena’s Dialogue, we reflect on the profound gift of the Eucharist. Jesus tells each and every one of us how deeply he loves us as he says,  ”I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you,” a love we partake of each time we approach the Eucharist. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Institution of the Eucharist and we will be praying one decade of the Rosary. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

Transcribed - Published: 8 April 2025

In the mystery of the Transfiguration, there’s an invitation to climb the mountain with Jesus. However, in our vocations and states of life, it can be hard to drop everything and go climb a mountain to witness God. Fr. Mark-Mary offers an answer, drawing from  St. Anastasius of Sinai, reminding us that we don’t have to climb the whole mountain today. We can just take the next step. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Transfiguration and we will be praying one decade of the Rosary. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy

Transcribed - Published: 7 April 2025

Jesus is raising the stakes during his ministry and proclamation of the kingdom. St. Augustine tells us that there’s a new kingdom, a new law, and a new love. Fr. Mark-Mary explains what these new teachings mean, how they impact us, and how we can respond with our new love. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Proclamation of the Kingdom and Call to Conversion and we will be praying one decade of the Rosary. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

Transcribed - Published: 6 April 2025

Would Jesus have turned the water into wine if someone other than Mary had asked him? Fr. Mark-Mary, reading from  St. Alphonsus Liguori, reflects on the point that Jesus’ initial words to Mary at the Wedding at Cana have special symbolism. This short conversation tells us that Mary is special to Jesus, and her requests are special too. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Wedding Feast at Cana and we will be praying one decade of the Rosary. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

Transcribed - Published: 5 April 2025

Is there any room left for doubt in the mystery of the Baptism? No, say Fr. Mark-Mary and St. Ambrose, as we meditate on the confidence with which we can believe in God’s revelation. We step into the waters of the Jordan with Jesus, resting in the truth of his divine sonship. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Baptism in the Jordan and we will be praying one decade of the Rosary. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

Transcribed - Published: 4 April 2025

When Mary and Joseph realized that Jesus was missing, they searched everywhere, stopping at nothing to find him. This is how love searches, Fr. Mark-Mary tells us, drawing from a reading by St. Augustine. When we feel as though Jesus is missing, we can be like Mary and Joseph, looking for him like we love him. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Finding in the Temple and we will be praying one decade of the Rosary. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

Transcribed - Published: 3 April 2025

When Jesus was presented in the Temple, Simeon was ready to receive the long desired savior. With a reading from  St. Cyril of Alexandria, Fr. Mark-Mary asks us how we’ve been preparing to receive our savior: are we waiting in our metaphorical temples, or have we become distracted by the world? To help us place ourselves in the fourth joyful mystery, Fr. Mark-Mary leads us in imaginative prayer, setting the scene for a place of prayer we can always return to. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Presentation and we will be praying one decade of the Rosary. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

Transcribed - Published: 2 April 2025

Is the Nativity a cause for joy in your life? Reflecting on a sermon from St. Leo the Great, Fr. Mark-Mary tells us that sometimes when we don’t feel the joy of the Nativity, we’re actually being called deeper into our relationship with God. We meditate on the Nativity’s personal impact on our lives as we lean into deeper conversion. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Nativity and we will be praying one decade of the Rosary. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

Transcribed - Published: 1 April 2025

We read from St. Alphonsus Liguori’s On the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin, recognizing that Mary’s office as Mother means that she will console us. Fr. Mark-Mary shares a prayer from St. Mother Theresa, and guides us through a reflection on Mary’s motherhood. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Visitation and we will be praying one decade of the Rosary. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

Transcribed - Published: 31 March 2025

We move into our Saint Reflections section of Phase 3 with a reading from St. Bernard of Clairvaux’s Four Homilies in Praise of the Virgin Mother. Fr. Mark-Mary focuses on St. Bernard’s explanation of all humanity waiting on Mary’s long desired fiat. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Annunciation and we will be praying one decade of the Rosary. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

Transcribed - Published: 30 March 2025

Mary chose humility, waiting with confidence in the Lord and his goodness. For this, Fr. Mark-Mary says, she has been made queen of heaven and earth. In our lectio divina today, we’re encouraged to not look down upon the humble road, but to follow in Mary’s example, trusting in the goodness of God. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Coronation of Mary and we will be praying one decade of the Rosary. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

Transcribed - Published: 29 March 2025

The mystery of the Assumption reveals that everything God promised to Mary was fulfilled. Fr. Mark-Mary emphasizes that we can place our hope in this: if God’s faithfulness was true for Mary, God’s faithfulness will be true for us. We, like Mary, are invited to share in the blessedness of salvation as heirs of the works of God. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Assumption and we will be praying one decade of the Rosary. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

Transcribed - Published: 28 March 2025

After the descent of the Holy Spirit, those who hear the Apostles are amazed and perplexed, suggesting that perhaps the Apostles have had too much wine. On one level, the people are wrong, but on another level, Fr. Mark-Mary tells us, the Apostles are filled with the Holy Spirit. Jesus has promised us the new wine in the Wedding Feast at Cana, and here in the third Glorious mystery, we see the fulfillment of his promise in the form of the Holy Spirit. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Descent of the Holy Spirit and we will be praying one decade of the Rosary. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

Transcribed - Published: 27 March 2025

In his glorified body, Jesus no longer has physical limitations. This is why, Fr. Mark-Mary explains, Jesus’ blessing upon the Apostles, and therefore us, never ends after he ascends to heaven. Likewise, the Apostles’ reciprocation never ends. We pray lectio divina, meditating on Jesus’ eternal blessing, and our continuous response. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Ascension and we will be praying one decade of the Rosary. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

Transcribed - Published: 26 March 2025

In the mystery of the Resurrection, Jesus and the angels bring the same message: do not be afraid. This is a sign of the joy and confidence with which the Father wants us to encounter life. Fr. Mark-Mary leads us in lectio divina, encouraging us to find this hope and joy in the message of the Resurrection. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Resurrection and we will be praying one decade of the Rosary. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

Transcribed - Published: 25 March 2025

In the midst of the most tragic of circumstances, his crucifixion and death, what does Jesus say? Jesus prays for all of us, asking the Father to forgive. Today, Fr. Mark-Mary leads us in lectio divina, focusing on these words of Jesus, thanking Jesus for his mercy and incredible love. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Crucifixion and we will be praying one decade of the Rosary. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

Transcribed - Published: 24 March 2025

During Jesus’ passion, the gospel tells us that a man named Simon was compelled to carry Jesus’ cross. In this moment, Simon was given a decision: to fight back against this injustice, or to make the choice to carry this cross and draw close to Jesus. We are all given difficult or even unjust crosses to carry, and Fr. Mark-Mary calls us to reflect upon how we react to these in today’s lectio divina. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Carrying of the Cross and we will be praying one decade of the Rosary. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

Transcribed - Published: 23 March 2025

Although the Roman soldiers mockingly hail Jesus as king, Fr. Mark-Mary explains that in this mystery we see the reality of Jesus’ true kingship and dignity. In our prayer of lectio divina, we meditate on Jesus’ incredible sacrifice for us, and we receive the good news that we worship the true king. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Crowning with Thorns and we will be praying one decade of the Rosary. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

Transcribed - Published: 22 March 2025

Jesus freely endured the suffering of the scourging because of his great love for us. Fr. Mark-Mary leads us in lectio divina, meditating on the depth of Jesus’ love for us and how he wants us to receive the gift of his love. We allow ourselves to behold the sign of our worth: Jesus giving everything to save us. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Scourging at the Pillar and we will be praying one decade of the Rosary. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

Transcribed - Published: 21 March 2025

When Jesus is sorrowful in the Garden of Gethsemane, he stays in relationship with the Father, trusting in the Father’s plan. Fr. Mark-Mary invites us to sit with Jesus, trusting in the Father when we are sorrowful and afraid, following the Son’s example. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Agony in the Garden and we will be praying one decade of the Rosary. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

Transcribed - Published: 20 March 2025

At the last supper, Jesus tells his disciples that he earnestly desires to eat the Passover with them. Fr. Mark-Mary leads us in lectio divina, meditating on Jesus’ longing, his earnest desire, to give himself to us. We place ourselves in the scene of the Last Supper and hear Jesus tell us, “this is for you.” Today’s focus is the mystery of the Institution of the Eucharist and we will be praying one decade of the Rosary. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

Transcribed - Published: 19 March 2025

When we experience fear and doubt, we can turn to the Father’s revelation that Jesus is the one we have been looking for. Fr. Mark-Mary leads us in lectio divina as we meditate on Jesus' gentle reassurance to the Apostles, telling them to rise and have no fear. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Transfiguration and we will be praying one decade of the Rosary. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

Transcribed - Published: 18 March 2025

The mystery of the Proclamation of the Kingdom and the Call to Conversion reveals to us that the time is now. God is here, and he desires to shepherd you. As we pray lectio divina, Fr. Mark-Mary asks us, are we ready to allow Jesus to shepherd us? Are we ready to allow God to shape our lives? Today’s focus is the mystery of the Proclamation of the Kingdom and Call to Conversion and we will be praying one decade of the Rosary. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

Transcribed - Published: 17 March 2025