Welcome to The Rosary in a Year (with Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR) from Ascension. In 365 days, Fr. Mark-Mary will take Catholics on a journey into deeper prayer and greater love for the Rosary. Form a lasting habit of prayer and enter more deeply into mediation on the lives of Jesus and Mary through the Rosary.

This year, make the Rosary your resolution and enter into prayer like never before. The first episode will launch on January 1st, 2025!

For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

The Rosary in a Year (with Fr. Mark-Mary Ames, CFR) is brought to you by Ascension.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

At the Wedding Feast at Cana, Mary notices first that the wine has run out. Fr. Mark-Mary explains that this means Mary and Jesus are invested in us. They are looking for our areas of need, so that Jesus can give us the new wine. We pray lectio divina, meditating on the truth that we are not alone. 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.

We know Jesus is the beloved of the Father, but today Fr. Mark-Mary tells us that we too should see ourselves as beloved through the grace of our Baptisms. As we pray lectio divina, we meditate on how we are not only beloved, but can become pleasing to the Father. 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.

How are we seeking Jesus? Are we aware that as we seek Jesus, he too is seeking us? Fr. Mark-Mary asks us the words Jesus asks Mary when she finds him in the Temple, ?how is it that you sought me,? as we pray lectio divina, inspiring us to consider how we look for Jesus. 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.

Simeon and Anna spent their entire lives waiting in the Temple for the savior. We might feel like Simeon and Anna, waiting for God and his promises in our own lives. Fr. Mark-Mary tells us that the Presentation is a sign of hope for all of us: just as Simeon and Anna saw salvation, we too do not wait in vain. Today?s focus is the mystery of the Presentation in the Temple and we will be praying one decade of the Rosary.

For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

What was the experience of the shepherds, called by angels to the birth of God? How would we react to seeing the newborn Christ? Fr. Mark-Mary leads us in lectio divina, drawing us into the experience of the Nativity, as we behold the innocence and humility of the baby Jesus. We ask for the grace to not be afraid to draw close to God. 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.

In the Visitation, God is revealing that he keeps his promises. Fr. Mark-Mary leads us in lectio divina, meditating on finding blessedness in our faith in God, like Mary who believed in God?s promises. 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.

Congratulations! You have made it to Phase 3 of the Rosary in a Year: Meditating on the Mysteries. We begin lectio divina with Fr. Mark-Mary, meditating on Mary?s yes to a person, not a plan. We?re reminded that even if we don?t understand God?s plan, we can fully trust in his goodness. 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.

How do we really dive into meditation while we pray the rosary? In this special bonus episode, Fr. Mark-Mary is joined by Fr. Gregory Pine to discuss Franciscan and Dominican prayer, accessing grace through the rosary, and the much debated question: ?If you fall asleep in the middle of prayer, does your guardian angel finish the rosary??

For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

Many of us have ?fancy? friends in our lives, and sometimes we are the ?fancy? friend: someone whose role, talents, or connections are able to help us out. However, Fr. Mark-Mary explains that we all have the best ?fancy? friend in Mary, our Mother and Queen. Reading from the book of Revelation, he explores how we can have total confidence in Mary as we bring our petitions to her. Today?s focus is the mystery of the Coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth and we will be praying one Our Father, three Hail Marys, and one Glory Be.

For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

Sometimes God asks us to do things that are unexpected or difficult. However, these times are often an opportunity for God to bless us: although we might have planned good things for ourselves, God asks us to trust that he has the best planned for us. Fr. Mark-Mary shows how Mary is the perfect example of this trust in God, and how God?s promises of goodness are fulfilled in the Assumption. Today?s focus is the mystery of the Assumption of Mary and we will be praying one Our Father, three Hail Marys, and one Glory Be.

For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

What were the Apostles feeling as they waited in the upper room? Despite their trepidation, the Apostles waited and prayed with confidence, and the Holy Spirit transformed them. Fr. Mark-Mary shares a story of transformative prayer, teaching us how we can call upon the Holy Spirit. Today?s focus is the mystery of the Descent of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost and we will be praying one Our Father, three Hail Marys, and one Glory Be.

For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

Did Jesus leave us when he ascended to heaven? Fr. Mark-Mary answers this question, leading us in a meditation on the certainty of Jesus? perpetual presence with us in all times and places. Today?s focus is the mystery of the Ascension and we will be praying one Our Father, three Hail Marys, and one Glory Be.

For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

How do you celebrate Easter? Fr. Mark-Mary provides listeners with a challenge, reminiscing on the moment he realized just how important Easter is, and how much hope the truth that Christ is Risen can give us. Today?s focus is the mystery of the Resurrection and we will be praying one Our Father, three Hail Marys, and one Glory Be.

For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

Just as the father in the parable of the prodigal son does not merely wait to welcome his son back, but pursues to meet him on the way, Fr. Mark-Mary explains that God does not wait for us to return to him but instead pursues us, even to death on the cross. At Calvary, in the Crucifixion, we see the true nature of the heart of God, a heart filled with love for us. Today?s focus is the mystery of the Crucifixion and Death of Our Lord and we will be praying one Our Father, three Hail Marys, and one Glory Be.

For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

In the parable of the Prodigal Son, the father does not wait for his son to come back home, but instead descends to meet him on the way. In the mystery of the Carrying of the Cross, God our Father does not leave us to an isolated journey to death, says Fr. Mark-Mary, but instead as Jesus is ascending the mountain with the cross, God is descending to save us and bring new life. Today?s focus is the mystery of the Carrying of the Cross and we will be praying one Our Father, three Hail Marys, and one Glory Be.

For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

When the devil attacks, he tries to mock us and deny our dignity. Fr. Mark-Mary continues the journey of reflecting on the passion of our Lord as it reveals the true nature of sin, revealing how meditating on the Crowning with Thorns can help us reject Satan?s lies and remember our dignity as beloved sons and daughters. Today?s focus is the mystery of the Crowning with Thorns and we will be praying one Our Father, three Hail Marys, and one Glory Be.

For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

Sometimes we don?t fully recognize or understand the effects of sin on our soul, but the mystery of the Scourging at the Pillar reveals the reality of sin to us. Fr. Mark-Mary continues the journey of reflecting on the passion of our Lord as it reveals the true nature of sin and the true nature of the heart of God. Today?s focus is the mystery of the Scourging at the Pillar and we will be praying one Our Father, three Hail Marys, and one Glory Be.

For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

As we begin journeying through the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary, Fr. Mark-Mary uses the parable of the Prodigal Son to illustrate how Jesus? Agony in the Garden reveals humanity?s rejection of God?s gift. However, despite this rejection we find salvation in Jesus? incredible love for us. Today?s focus is the mystery of the Agony in the Garden and we will be praying one Our Father, three Hail Marys, and one Glory Be.

For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

When you love someone, you create a way to be with them. Fr. Mark-Mary tells us that if you love Jesus, you?ll create time to be with him. However, our love for God is a response to God?s love for us. This beautiful reciprocity means the creator of the universe has found a creative way to remain with us in all times and places, revealed through the fifth Luminous mystery, the Institution of the Eucharist. Today?s focus is the mystery of the Institution of the Eucharist and we will be praying one Our Father, three Hail Marys, and one Glory Be.

For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

To reveal his glory in the Transfiguration, Jesus took the apostles up the mountain, apart from distractions. Today, Fr. Mark-Mary asks if Jesus might be asking us to step away and go up the mountain apart with him, so that we can be moved by his brilliance. Let?s take this opportunity to join the apostles and see what we might need to step away from. Today?s focus is the mystery of the Transfiguration and we will be praying one Our Father, three Hail Marys, and one Glory Be.

For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

What is the Proclamation of the Kingdom and the Call to Conversion really about? Fr. Mark-Mary explains the rich mystery of the Proclamation of the Kingdom and the Call to Conversion, revealing the Good News throughout Jesus? teachings: everything you are seeking and longing for is here. Today?s focus is the mystery of the Proclamation of the Kingdom and the Call to Conversion and we will be praying one Our Father, three Hail Marys, and one Glory Be.

For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

In the Wedding Feast at Cana, we see Mary taking a new role: that of the initiator, asking Jesus to perform his first miracle. Fr. Mark-Mary unpacks this mystery, revealing the depth of Mary?s actions. By initiating Jesus? public ministry, Mary is freely giving her son away, out of her great love for all of us. Today?s focus is the mystery of the Wedding Feast at Cana and we will be praying one Our Father, three Hail Marys, and one Glory Be.

For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

The waters of the Jordan in our lives must always precede the sands of the desert. Fr. Mark-Mary explores the mystery of Jesus? Baptism, highlighting that Jesus? baptism immediately precedes his temptation in the desert. We are invited to recall our own baptisms and the gifts we received as we meditate on the Rosary and face difficulties in our lives. Today?s focus is the mystery of the Baptism of Jesus and we will be praying one Our Father, three Hail Marys, and one Glory Be.

For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

Mary and Joseph knew that they had a special role when raising Jesus, but something unexpected happens in the mystery of the Finding in the Temple. Mary may not fully understand Jesus? explanation that he would be ?in his Father?s house?, but she continues to trust in God?s plan. We have all experienced times in which we cannot visualize God?s plan for us, but Fr. Mark-Mary reminds us that we have a perfect director who will make a masterpiece out of our stories. All we have to do is trust and say yes. Today?s focus is the mystery of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple and we will be praying one Our Father, three Hail Marys, and one Glory Be.

For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

Simeon?s words at the Presentation of the Lord, ?Now let your servant depart in peace according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation,? are said around the world every day by religious and lay people alike in Compline, also known as Night Prayer. Fr. Mark-Mary shares the story of a blind man who truly knew what it meant to see his savior with the eyes of faith, inviting us to pray our Rosary for true sight like Simeon. Today?s focus is the mystery of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple and we will be praying one Our Father, three Hail Marys, and one Glory Be.

For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

How would we feel if we could experience the Nativity the way Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and Magi did? Fr. Mark-Mary shares the story of a visitor who truly experienced the awe and wonder of Christmas, revealing what an incredible gift Jesus is for all of us. Today?s focus is the mystery of the Nativity and we will be praying one Our Father, three Hail Marys, and one Glory Be.

For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

God takes our ordinary and turns it into the extraordinary. Fr. Mark-Mary leads us through a meditation on the mystery of the Visitation, focusing on the Magnificat, describing how Elizabeth?s words of joy turn into song in Mary. Similarily, God enters the narratives of our lives, turning our prose into poetry and song, making our lives into something beautiful. Today?s focus is the mystery of the Visitation and we will be praying one Our Father, three Hail Marys, and one Glory Be.

For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

How do we move forward when we can?t see God?s plan ahead of us? Fr. Mark-Mary leads us in a meditation on the mystery of the Annunciation, explaining how Mary can show us the way. She may not have had perfect understanding, but she had perfect faith, and can teach us this faith through the Rosary. Today?s focus is the mystery of the Annunciation and we will be praying one Our Father, three Hail Marys, and one Glory Be.

For the complete reading plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

How should we venerate Mary as the Queen of Heaven, and what does being Queen of Heaven mean? Fr. Mark-Mary explains that far from detracting from our worship of God, giving due veneration to Mary actually honors Jesus, her son and our Lord. In turn, Mary has a special role as our mother and queen, and can specially intercede for us to Jesus. Today?s focus is the mystery of the Coronation of Mary, and we will be praying one Our Father, three Hail Marys, and one Glory Be.

For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

What are the Biblical roots of the Assumption? Fr. Mark-Mary draws from both the Old and New Testament to explain the Biblical basis of Mary?s Assumption. Mary is the new Ark of the Covenant, and so just as David ensured the first Ark of the Covenant was brought to Jerusalem, Jesus would ensure that his mother was brought home to heaven, body and soul. Today?s focus is the mystery of the Assumption of Mary, and we will be praying one Our Father, three Hail Marys, and one Glory Be.

For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

The Descent of the Holy Spirit makes all things new, including our way of participating in God?s life. Fr. Mark-Mary looks at Pentecost as a prayer event, the fulfilment of the promise of the Father, and as a fulfillment of the Old Testament feast of Pentecost, drawing on audiences from Pope John Paul II. As we pray the Rosary, we meditate on this new life of God at work in us through the Holy Spirit. Today?s focus is the mystery of the Descent of the Holy Spirit, and we will be praying one Our Father, three Hail Marys, and one Glory Be.

For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

What does Jesus? Ascension into heaven, body and soul, mean for us? Fr. Mark-Mary explains that this mystery is more than Jesus joining the Father in Heaven: the Ascension has implications for our future destiny. For the first time, humanity enters into the life of God as Jesus? human body enters heaven. Today?s focus is the mystery of the Ascension, and we will be praying one Our Father, three Hail Marys, and one Glory Be.

For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

In the Resurrection we are given an opportunity to see the glorified reality that is our destiny and our hope. Fr. Mark-Mary pulls from Pope Benedict XVI?s writings to explain glorified reality and what is spiritually occurring in the mystery of the Resurrection. Today?s focus is the mystery of the Resurrection, and we will be praying one Our Father, three Hail Marys, and one Glory Be.

For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

Are Jesus? last words on the cross from Psalm 22, ?My God, my God, why have you forsaken me,? a cry of despair, or a revelation of hope? Fr. Mark-Mary shares a meditation on God?s response to Jesus in the mystery of the Crucifixion, expressing the certainty of salvation that we too can hope to share in. Today?s focus is the mystery of the Crucifixion, and we will be praying one Our Father, three Hail Marys, and one Glory Be.

For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

In the Old Testament, the scapegoat was led outside of the city, bearing the sins of the people. In a striking parallel, the fourth Sorrowful mystery of the Rosary features Jesus being led outside of the city, bearing the people?s sins. Fr. Mark-Mary dives into this parallel, leading us in a meditation for our Rosary. Today?s focus is the mystery of the Carrying of the Cross, and we will be praying one Our Father, three Hail Marys, and one Glory Be.

For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

In the mystery of the Crowing with Thorns, we see both the effects of sin on the world, but also the truth that Jesus is conquering death. Fr. Mark-Mary continues drawing connections between the prophecy of the Suffering Servant from Isaiah and the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary. Today?s focus is the mystery of the Crowning with Thorns, and we will be praying one Our Father, three Hail Marys, and one Glory Be.

For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.