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

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.

Fr. Mark-Mary explains the historical context behind the mystery of the Scourging at the Pillar, and reveals how this mystery fulfills prophecies within the Old Testament book of Isaiah. 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.

Through obedience to the Father in the Garden of Gethsemene, in the mystery of the Agony in the Garden, Jesus will repair the damage caused by Adam and Eve’s disobedience in the Garden of Eden. Fr. Mark-Mary explores the significance of the Agony in the Garden through the book of Hebrews and the Catechism. 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.

In the institution of the Holy Eucharist Jesus is revealed as the Bread of Life that sustains us to the promised land. Fr. Mark-Mary draws upon the Old Testament to reveal how this mystery was foreshadowed, and what salvation history can tell us about Jesus and 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.

The mystery of the Transfiguration is a glimpse of heaven, giving us an image of the home Jesus has prepared for us. Fr. Mark-Mary takes us on a journey in the book of Exodus as we explore Jesus’ fulfillment of the Old Testament. 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.

The Lord is here and he is at work! Fr. Mark-Mary reminds us that we don’t have to save ourselves: Jesus is proclaiming the Good News and acting for good in our lives, just as he acts in this third Luminous Mystery of the Rosary. 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.

Sometimes we can feel like we’ve run out of wine, we’ve run out of sweetness in our lives. However, as the Divine Bridegroom, Jesus will provide the wine. Fr. Mark-Mary explains the spiritual significance of the miracle at the Wedding Feast at Cana and meditates on the depth of Jesus’ love. 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.

Each of the Luminous mysteries reveal an aspect of Jesus’ nature and mission. Fr. Mark-Mary draws on the history of the Jordan River and the Jewish Day of Atonement, historical details that reveal Jesus as Messiah and sacrifice in this mystery of the Rosary. 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.

Why does Jesus leave Mary and Joseph to remain in the temple in Jerusalem? Fr. Mark-Mary unpacks the spiritual significance of the Finding in the Temple, teaching us about filial obedience and how we can understand our own journeys through this mystery of the Rosary. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Finding 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.

The Mystery of Jesus’ Presentation signifies an important moment of fulfillment between the Old and New Covenant. Fr. Mark-Mary leads us through this mystery, pointing out parallels between Simeon’s words to Mary and Old Testament prophecies in Isaiah, giving us a meditation on entrusting our lives to God through the Rosary. 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 reading plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

Sometimes it’s difficult to see how God can work through the hard situations in our lives. In the Mystery of the Nativity, the Holy Family was faced with an incredibly hard situation: traveling 90 miles to participate in a Roman census right before Jesus’ birth. However, Fr. Mark-Mary explains how God was working with these struggles to fulfill an Old Testament prophecy, reading from the book of Micah. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Nativity and we will be praying one Our Father, three Hail Marys, and one Glory Be.

In the Old Testament, God met his people, dwelt with them, and brought them victory through the Arc of the Covenant. As we explore the Biblical roots of the Mysteries of the Rosary, Fr. Mark-Mary reveals how Mary is the new Arc of the Covenant, drawing parallels between the Visitation and the book of 2 Samuel. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Visitation and we will be praying one Our Father, three Hail Marys, and one Glory Be.

All of Jesus’ story was unexpected, as a very different Messiah than the people anticipated. Fr. Mark-Mary walks us through the historical and Biblical context of the mystery of the Annunciation, revealing how this mystery of the Rosary is something new, different, and deeper than we might expect. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Annunciation and we will be praying one Our Father, three Hail Marys, and one Glory Be.

Do you fully believe in the forgiveness of sins professed in the Creed? Fr. Mark-Mary tells us that so often we receive forgiveness but continue to carry the internal burden of sin. Drawing from the parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15, Fr. Mark-Mary encourages us to recall that we have been freed from sin. In praying the Rosary, we can set down our burdens as the Father accepts us into his home. Today’s focus is “The forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen,” and we will be praying one Our Father, three Hail Marys, and one Glory Be.

Fr. Mark-Mary shares his personal testimony on the Holy Spirit’s influence in his life and encourages us to look for the Holy Spirit’s presence in our own lives. He explains how meditating on the words of the Creed and the mysteries of the Rosary can lead us to greater understanding and faith as the Holy Spirit works through us. Today’s focus is “I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints,” and we will be praying one Our Father, three Hail Marys, and one Glory Be.

Jesus has already prepared a room for us in the Father’s house. Fr. Mark-Mary reveals that not only will we be able to join Jesus in heaven someday, but each time we pray the Rosary, we have a moment with Jesus in our eternal home. Already we draw close to heaven, and heaven draws close to us while we meditate on the Creed. Today’s focus is “On the third day, he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God, the father almighty. From there, he will come to judge the living and the dead,” and we will be praying one Our Father, three Hail Marys, and one Glory Be.

The Holy Spirit chooses to do his greatest works and reveal his glory in still and quiet moments. While reflecting on the Apostles’ Creed, Fr. Mark-Mary uncovers the Incarnation as one of these silent movements of the Spirit: a pivotal event in salvation history that unfolded in the humble, quiet town of Nazareth. As we meditate on the prayers of the Rosary, this episode draws our attention to the quiet moments in which the Holy Spirit works in our lives. Today’s focus is “Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary,” and we will be praying one Our Father, three Hail Marys, and one Glory Be.

By the grace of Jesus Christ, there is no longer total darkness. Fr. Mark-Mary explains how we can maintain hope while meditating on the crucifixion, a necessary prelude for the Sorrowful Mysteries. Drawing from the Catechism and the Good Friday liturgy, we continue our meditation on the Creed and Jesus’ incredible love for us. Today’s focus is “He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. On the third day, he rose again from the dead,” and we will be praying one Our Father, three Hail Marys, and one Glory Be.

Were you there when he laid the foundation of the Earth? Fr. Mark-Mary brings us this pertinent question from the book of Job as we reflect on the Apostles Creed that we pray every Rosary. He explains that this question, far from being accusatory, is a promise of care from the Lord, a promise that we can trust in God to be God. Today’s focus is “I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only son, our Lord, ” and we will be praying one Our Father, three Hail Marys, and one Glory Be.

The Fatima Prayer, said at the end of each decade of the Rosary, was given to us in the Marian apparition at Fatima. Fr. Mark-Mary draws from Romans 8:28, balancing between gravitas and hope, explaining how we can reflect on both of these concepts as we pray the Rosary. Today’s focus is “Oh my Jesus, forgive us our sins. Save us from the fires of hell. Lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy, ” and we will be praying one Our Father, three Hail Marys, and one Glory Be.

When we call upon Mary, what does she say to us? As we pray the Rosary and ask Mary to show Jesus unto us, we hear her response through the story of the Wedding Feast at Cana in the Gospel of John. If you feel like you’re at the wedding and out of wine, Fr. Mark-Mary says, turn to Mary in the Rosary, and she will advocate for you to Jesus. Today’s focus is “Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy towards us,” and we will be praying one Our Father, three Hail Marys, one Glory Be, and the Hail Holy Queen.

You are enough for God. Fr. Mark-Mary contemplates Mary’s Magnificat, reminding us that Mary and Jesus look upon us with eyes of mercy, rejoicing in our offerings of love to them, no matter how small we think they are. As we slowly build up our Rosary, prayer by prayer, these sincere acts of love are pleasing offerings to God. Today’s focus is “Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy towards us,” and we will be praying one Our Father, three Hail Marys, and one Glory Be.

We may be in a valley of tears, but we are never alone. Fr. Mark-Mary reads from the Gospel of John, revealing that the Blessed Mother has shared in our sufferings, and in the Rosary, is always with us. We are blessed to have Mary, who knew both suffering and the hope of God’s promises, as a perfect mother who will always love us. Today’s focus is “To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears,,” and we will be praying one Our Father, three Hail Marys, and one Glory Be.

Jesus gives us not only what we need, but in his abundance, gives us more than what we need so that we might have joy. Fr. Mark-Mary meditates on the Hail Holy Queen, exploring the relationship between the Eucharist and Mary, the mother of God, to help us meditate during the Rosary. Today’s focus is “Hail Holy Queen, mother of mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope,” and we will be praying one Our Father, three Hail Marys, and one Glory Be.

Catholics may be very familiar with the Sign of the Cross, but this short prayer has deep significance. Fr. Mark-Mary shares the Biblical origins of the Sign of the Cross, reading from Matthew’s Gospel and the book of Psalms to explain how this prayer can allow us to see life as God does and proclaim our Faith as we say the Rosary. Today’s focus is “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,” and we will be praying one Our Father, three Hail Marys, and one Glory Be.

How often do we pray a prayer of purely praise and adoration to God? Fr. Mark-Mary explains how the Rosary and the Glory Be can be said as a prayer of praise, drawing from the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the Psalms, leading us to enter into adoration of God. Today’s focus is “Glory be to the Father, to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end,” 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.

We conclude our meditations on the Our Father with Fr. Mark-Mary delving into the parable of the Good Shepherd, the Fall in Genesis, and Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, helping build our mental library as we pray the Rosary. As we pray these lines of the Our Father, we’ll have an opportunity to rejoice in the goodness of God. Today’s focus is “and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil,” and we will be praying one Our Father, three Hail Marys, and one Glory Be.

We are to forgive as we have been forgiven. Today, Fr. Mark Mary leads us in a meditation upon the forgiveness described in the Our Father, taking inspiration from a parable in Matthew 18 and a personal experience with a delicious plate of nachos. As we come to the Lord in prayer today, Fr. Mark Mary invites us to allow God’s mercy to flow through us. Today’s focus is “and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us” and we will be praying one Our Father, three Hail Marys, and one Glory Be.

What is the “daily bread” we pray for in the Our Father? Fr. Mark-Mary provides Biblical examples from the Gospels and Exodus to reveal how God is always providing daily bread for his people. The manna in Exodus and Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount in the Gospel of Matthew illustrate what “daily bread” can look like for the modern Christian. Today’s focus is “Give us this day our daily bread” and we will be praying one Our Father, three Hail Marys, and one Glory Be.

Fr. Mark-Mary continues meditating on the Our Father, exploring the concept of the kingdom of heaven through Matthew 18:1-4. Jesus instructs his disciples to become like children in order to enter the kingdom of heaven, and Fr. Mark-Mary shares how we can have more child-like faith in God as we pray the Rosary. Today’s focus is “Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” and we will be praying one Our Father, three Hail Marys, and one Glory Be.

How do you approach God when you pray the Rosary? Fr. Mark-Mary begins exploring the Biblical Roots of the Our Father by comparing the story of Jacob and Esau in Genesis 32 to Jesus’ words to his Father as he teaches us the Lord’s Prayer. Understanding how we can approach God will give us a strong foundation for praying the Rosary. Today’s focus is “Our Father who art in heaven” and we will be praying one Our Father, three Hail Marys, and one Glory Be.

Everytime we say the Hail Mary, we express a cry of joy in honor of the Blessed Mother. Fr. Mark-Mary reveals the Biblical celebration at the center of the Hail Mary that we too can participate in, sharing a story of the Franciscan Friars delight in God’s creation that we can emulate as we pray the Rosary. Today’s focus is “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus,” and we will be praying one Our Father, three Hail Marys, and one Glory Be.

Everytime we say the Hail Mary, we express a cry of joy in honor of the Blessed Mother. Fr. Mark-Mary reveals the Biblical celebration at the center of the Hail Mary that we too can participate in, sharing a story of the Franciscan Friars delight in God’s creation that we can emulate as we pray the Rosary. Today’s focus is “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, 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.

As we pray the rosary, we can focus on the words of the prayers we’re saying, especially the words of the Hail Mary. Fr. Mark-Mary explains the Biblical roots of the Hail Mary, leading us in a meditation of love for Mary. Today’s focus is “Hail Mary, full of grace,” and we will be praying one Our Father, three Hail Marys, and one Glory Be.

Praying the Rosary is not just for ourselves! Fr. Mark-Mary reveals how your prayers of the Rosary are a powerful action that God can use to create an overflowing of grace into your relationships, your family, and our world. Today’s focus is on prayer as a source of grace 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 is prayer a battle, and what role does the rosary serve in this fight? Fr. Mark-Mary explains the various struggles we may experience while trying to grow our prayer life, and how we can use the Rosary as a weapon to defeat temptation. Today’s focus is on prayer as a battle 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 we’re with Mary, we don't have to carry the weight of the world on our shoulders. Fr. Mark-Mary looks into the history of the Rosary and shares a meditation to help us rest with Mary in the garden of the Rosary. Today’s focus is “Mary, mother inviolate,” 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 Rosary is a Marian prayer, which means we can deepen our experience of prayer through meditating on Mary’s life and virtues. Follow along with Fr. Mark-Mary as he explains how Mary mirrors God the Father’s love, and shares a meditation on how we can experience the loving face of Mary in our prayer of the Rosary today. Today’s focus is “Mary, the mirror of justice,” 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 do you feel when you are in the presence of Jesus? Freedom and comfort, or is there some apprehension or anxiety? Today, we journey with Fr. Mark-Mary to Jesus’ workshop, practicing imaginative meditation to use when we pray the Rosary. Today’s focus is “Heart of Jesus, patient and full of mercy,” 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.

Jesus, the eternal king, knows your name. Fr. Mark-Mary leads us in a meditation on the presence of Jesus to assist us in our prayer of the rosary, expressing the truth that the king of the universe personally knows and loves you. Today’s focus is “Jesus, King and center of all hearts” 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.

Welcome to Day 1 of the Rosary in a Year! Today we begin our journey with Fr. Mark-Mary, as he leads us in a guided meditation to help us find the presence of God as we pray. This first phase, Forming the Relationship, will set the stage for your rosaries all year as we begin deepening our relationship with Jesus and Mary in prayer. Today’s focus is on finding the presence of God, 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.

We conclude our Rosary in a Year journey with the Glorious Mysteries, thanking God for all of his gifts and blessings, both throughout Salvation history and our own lives. Fr. Mark-Mary shares his farewell message of thanks and emphasizes that while our 365 episodes of Rosary in a Year have come to an end, our journeys of prayer and drawing closer to God should continue on. We bring our “loaves and fish,” our prayer, commitment, and perseverance to Mary and Jesus today, confident that they will multiply our efforts. Today's focus is the Glorious Mysteries, and we’ll be praying the full Rosary. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

We are called to remain close to Jesus in moments of sorrow, learning from His choice to meet suffering with trust in the Father rather than isolation. Fr. Mark-Mary reflects on the Passion as a costly gift of love, revealing how deeply Christ desires to save and remain with us. Through perseverance in prayer, we are reminded that Jesus never stops seeking us, even when the road is heavy. At the foot of the Cross, we receive Mary as our Mother, finding consolation in her faithful and tender care. Today’s focus is the Sorrowful Mysteries, and we’ll be praying the full Rosary. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

As we come together to pray the Joyful Mysteries, Fr. Mark-Mary calls us to place our lives before the Lord with the same trust and openness shown by Mary. He reflects on how God brings life to what feels empty or lifeless, choosing humble hearts as His dwelling place. We are encouraged to persevere in prayer, to seek Jesus with renewed desire, and to allow Him to gather our scattered hearts into a deeper love for the Father. Today’s focus is the Joyful Mysteries, and we’ll be praying the full Rosary. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

Inviting us to encounter the risen Jesus, Fr. Mark-Mary focuses on the deep joy that comes from loving Christ and rejoicing in His victory, a joy meant to shape our daily lives. As we pray, we ask the Holy Spirit to fill us with awe before God’s greatness and to renew our hearts. We also place our hopes and struggles into the care of Mary, our Queen and Mother, trusting in her loving intercession. Today’s focus is the Glorious Mysteries, and we’ll be praying the full Rosary. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

Today, Fr. Mark-Mary invites us to bring our worries, our smallness, and our longing into God’s presence with confidence that nothing is impossible for Him. He reflects on the way God is drawn to humility, lifting us where we cannot lift ourselves, and in the quiet peace that comes from beholding Christ with a childlike heart. Even moments of spiritual dryness, he notes, can lead us into deeper relationship as we seek the Lord anew. Today’s focus is the Joyful Mysteries, and we’ll be praying the full Rosary. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

We pray the Sorrowful Mysteries and enter deeply into the heart of Christ’s Passion, guided by Fr. Mark-Mary through each decade. In the Agony in the Garden, Fr. Mark-Mary reflects on Jesus’ threefold cry of “My Father,” showing how Jesus faces his suffering in relationship with the Father, inviting us to bring our own agonies to God with the same trust. The Scourging at the Pillar inspires us to meditate on the irony of the crowd choosing Barabbas, the “son of the father” in name only, over the true Son. Despite the mockery of the Crowning with Thorns, Fr. Mark-Mary shows how even here Christ’s kingship is revealed and God is silently at work for our salvation. During the Carrying of the Cross, we’re guided into a moment of imaginative prayer, placing us in the role of Simon of Cyrene. Finally, as we pray with the Crucifixion, Fr. Mark-Mary draws attention to the tearing of the temple veil and Pope Benedict XVI’s insight that symbols give way to reality: God himself has opened the way to his heart through the crucified Christ. Today's focus is the Sorrowful Mysteries, and we’ll be praying the full Rosary. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

We reflect on the moments in Jesus’ ministry that reveal his identity and invite our response of faith as we pray the Luminous mysteries. We revisit several of our Saint reflections as Fr. Mark-Mary highlights St. Ambrose’s teaching on the Father’s voice proclaiming Jesus as the beloved Son, and St. Alphonsus Liguori’s reflection on Mary’s unique intercessory role. As we continue through the mysteries, Fr. Mark-Mary reflects on James Tissot’s depiction of the grateful leper as a symbol of the Proclamation of the Kingdom, the disciples’ mountaintop experience in the Transfiguration, and Jesus washing the disciples’ feet at the Last Supper. Today's focus is the Luminous Mysteries, and we’ll be praying the full Rosary. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

We begin the Glorious Mysteries, returning to St. Augustine’s reflection on the Resurrection: a doorway to new life was opened in the Resurrection, that we ourselves share in through our baptism. Just as we enter into the Resurrection through our Baptisms, the Ascension too is a promise about our future destiny, as Fr. Mark-Mary explains Jesus is giving us the promise we’re meant to join him in heaven. In the Descent of the Holy Spirit, Jesus sends us the Spirit to accompany us, and sends us another promise in the form of Mary’s Assumption. Finally, Fr. Mark-Mary reflects on the beautiful love of God revealed in Mary’s coronation. Today's focus is the Glorious Mysteries, and we’ll be praying the full Rosary. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.