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

Episode Archive

Episode Archive

181 episodes of The Rosary in a Year (with Fr. Mark-Mary Ames) since the first episode, which aired on October 25th, 2024.

  • Day 176: Jesus is in the Boat

    June 25th, 2025  |  13 mins 55 secs
    apostles, art, art meditations, ascension, boat, catholic church, catholic faith, danger, doubt, faith, father mark mary, father mark-mary, fr. mark mary, fr. mark-mary, luminous, luminous mysteries, mark, ocean, rembrandt, riy, rosary, rosary in a year, rosary-in-a-year, sacred art, sea, storm, threat, trust, visio divina

    Mark chapter 5 doesn’t shrink back from the danger of the storm. The apostles’ boat is filling with water and they are in immediate danger. Rembrandt’s painting,  Christ in the Storm on the Sea of Galilee, shows us how real this threat is. And yet, Jesus’ response is to urge the apostles to have faith in him. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Proclamation of the Gospel and Call to Conversion and we will be praying one decade of the Rosary.

    All of the Sacred Art we’ll be meditating with can be found in the Rosary in a Year Prayer Guide, for free linked in the complete prayer plan, or in the Ascension App. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

  • Day 175: Calling Through the Noise

    June 24th, 2025  |  14 mins 47 secs
    art, art meditations, ascension, cana, catholic church, catholic faith, father mark mary, father mark-mary, fr. mark mary, fr. mark-mary, luminous, luminous mysteries, paolo veronese, peace, riy, rosary, rosary in a year, rosary-in-a-year, sacred art, self-reliance, stress, trust, visio divina, wedding, wedding at cana, wedding feast at cana

    Fr. Mark-Mary draws unique comparisons when meditating on Paolo Veronese’s The Wedding at Cana. The depiction of Christ’s quiet centrality amid worldly distraction mirrors how people often overlook Jesus, just as museumgoers miss this massive artwork while focused on the Mona Lisa. As well as the parallel between the statue of Atlas outside St. Patrick’s Cathedral and the image of Christ at Mass, contrasting the burden of self-reliance with the peace found in surrendering to God. Through this reflection, we are invited to entrust our struggles to Jesus, who alone can transform and uplift us. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Wedding Feast at Cana and we will be praying one decade of the Rosary.

    All of the Sacred Art we’ll be meditating with can be found in the Rosary in a Year Prayer Guide, for free linked in the complete prayer plan, or in the Ascension App. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

  • Day 174: Living Our Baptism

    June 23rd, 2025  |  16 mins 29 secs
    alexander ivanov, art, art meditations, ascension, baptism, catholic church, catholic faith, father mark mary, father mark-mary, fr. mark mary, fr. mark-mary, john the baptist, luminous, luminous mysteries, messiah, prophet, riy, rosary, rosary in a year, rosary-in-a-year, sacred art, the baptism in the jordan, the baptism of jesus, the jordan, visio divina

    Through Alexander Ivanov’s painting, The Appearance of Christ Before the People, Fr. Mark-Mary contemplates the baptism of Jesus and the profound humility of John the Baptist, who recognizes Christ and directs his followers to Him. The artwork and Gospel text together highlight John’s deep spiritual freedom and his role in preparing the way for the Messiah. We are encouraged to live out our own baptismal calling by pointing others to Jesus through humble witness, love, and trust in God’s will. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Baptism of Jesus and we will be praying one decade of the Rosary.

    All of the Sacred Art we’ll be meditating with can be found in the Rosary in a Year Prayer Guide, for free linked in the complete prayer plan, or in the Ascension App. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

  • Day 173: Rooted in Identity

    June 22nd, 2025  |  17 mins 7 secs
    art, art meditations, ascension, catholic church, catholic faith, father mark mary, father mark-mary, father’s house, finding in the temple, finding of jesus in the temple, fr. mark mary, fr. mark-mary, identity william holman hunt, joyful, joyful mysteries, meek, riy, rosary, rosary in a year, rosary-in-a-year, sacred art, temple, visio divina

    Fr. Mark-Mary contemplates the courage required of 12-year-old Jesus speaking in the temple, as depicted in William Holman Hunt’s vivid painting, The Finding of the Saviour in the Temple. He contrasts this with his own childhood experiences of shyness and public speaking, drawing insight into how true meekness flows from knowing one’s identity. We are empowered to speak and live truthfully even in intimidating situations by cultivating spiritual confidence rooted in God’s love. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Finding of Jesus in the Temple and we will be praying one decade of the Rosary.

    All of the Sacred Art we’ll be meditating with can be found in the Rosary in a Year Prayer Guide, for free linked in the complete prayer plan, or in the Ascension App. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

  • Day 172: Heart of Prayer

    June 21st, 2025  |  11 mins 32 secs
    arent de gelder, art, art meditations, ascension, catholic church, catholic faith, father mark mary, father mark-mary, fr. mark mary, fr. mark-mary, joyful, joyful mysteries, mary, presentation, presentation in the temple, riy, rosary, rosary in a year, rosary-in-a-year, sacred art, simeon, temple, visio divina

    Meditating on Mary’s presence in the Presentation scene, painted by Aert de Gelder, reveals a woman who prays not only with words, but with her entire being. In the glow of the Christ Child, she models how to receive mystery, pain, and promise with unwavering faith. Her example reminds us that holiness begins not with full understanding, but with trustful reception of all things in and through Christ. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Presentation in the Temple and we will be praying one decade of the Rosary.

    All of the Sacred Art we’ll be meditating with can be found in the Rosary in a Year Prayer Guide, for free linked in the complete prayer plan, or in the Ascension App. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

  • Day 171: Worship the Newborn King

    June 20th, 2025  |  11 mins 59 secs
    art, art meditations, ascension, born, caravaggio, catholic church, catholic faith, father mark mary, father mark-mary, fr. mark mary, fr. mark-mary, joyful, joyful mysteries, manger, nativity, riy, rosary, rosary in a year, rosary-in-a-year, sacred art, st. francis, st. lawrence, the praises of god, visio divina

    Caravaggio’s Nativity with Saint Francis and Saint Lawrence offers a tender and grounded depiction of Christ’s birth, surrounded not only by the Holy Family but also by saints known for their deep love of poverty. Fr. Mark-Mary uses this scene to lead into the Praises of God by St. Francis, lifting our gaze from the humble manger to the majesty of the One who was born there. We’re invited into deeper awe, love, and surrender by recognizing the greatness of God who chose such lowliness. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Nativity and we will be praying one decade of the Rosary.

    All of the Sacred Art we’ll be meditating with can be found in the Rosary in a Year Prayer Guide, for free linked in the complete prayer plan, or in the Ascension App. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

  • Day 170: Grit and Grace

    June 19th, 2025  |  12 mins 20 secs
    ain karim, antonio barluzzi, art, art meditations, ascension, catholic church, catholic faith, elizabeth, father mark mary, father mark-mary, fr. mark mary, fr. mark-mary, joyful, joyful mysteries, mary, riy, rosary, rosary in a year, rosary-in-a-year, sacred art, virtues, visio divina, visitation

    Mary’s journey to visit Elizabeth is brought to life through Antonio Barluzzi’s mosaic, where Mary travels by donkey through rugged hills, accompanied by angels who walk beside her rather than carry her. This powerful detail highlights Mary’s strength and humility. She is a model of self-giving love, reminding us that holiness often unfolds through perseverance and sacrifice. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Visitation and we will be praying one decade of the Rosary.

    All of the Sacred Art we’ll be meditating with can be found in the Rosary in a Year Prayer Guide, for free linked in the complete prayer plan, or in the Ascension App. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

  • Day 169: The Faithful “Yes”

    June 18th, 2025  |  14 mins 15 secs
    angel, angel gabriel, annunciation, art, art meditations, ascension, catholic church, catholic faith, father mark mary, father mark-mary, fr. mark mary, fr. mark-mary, jan van eyck, joyful, joyful mysteries, mary, obedience, riy, rosary, rosary in a year, rosary-in-a-year, sacred art, surrender, trust, visio divina

    What does it mean to say “yes” to God with complete trust? Reflecting on Jan van Eyck’s painting of the Annunciation, Fr. Mark-Mary explores how Mary’s faithful response marks the fulfillment of the Old Testament and invites us to a similar surrender. We are called to recognize God’s presence in all circumstances and to keep our focus and trust rooted in Him. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Annunciation and we will be praying one decade of the Rosary.

    All of the Sacred Art we’ll be meditating with can be found in the Rosary in a Year Prayer Guide, for free linked in the complete prayer plan, or in the Ascension App. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

  • Day 168: Our Shared Inheritance

    June 17th, 2025  |  15 mins 47 secs
    and st. john the baptist, art, art meditations, ascension, beatitudes, catholic church, catholic faith, coronation, coronation of mary, crown, crowning, earth, father mark mary, father mark-mary, fr. mark mary, fr. mark-mary, giuseppe mattia borgnis, glorious, glorious mysteries, heaven, inheritance, queen, riy, rosary, rosary in a year, rosary-in-a-year, sacred art, st. anne, st. joseph, visio divina

    The Coronation of Mary is portrayed in Giuseppe Mattia Borgnis’s fresco, where the Trinity crowns her Queen of Heaven as saints, angels, and loved ones gaze on with joy. The presence of St. Joseph, St. Anne, and St. John the Baptist emphasizes that those who suffer with Christ also share in His glory. We are reminded that while the road of discipleship includes pain, it ultimately leads to the fulfillment of God’s promises of eternal victory and our shared inheritance in Christ. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Coronation of Mary and we will be praying one decade of the Rosary.

    All of the Sacred Art we’ll be meditating with can be found in the Rosary in a Year Prayer Guide, for free linked in the complete prayer plan, or in the Ascension App. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

  • Day 167: Glory Awaits the Faithful

    June 16th, 2025  |  13 mins 37 secs
    art, art meditations, ascension, assumption, catholic church, catholic faith, father mark mary, father mark-mary, fr. mark mary, fr. mark-mary, glorious, glorious mysteries, heaven, mariani, mary, queen, riy, rosary, rosary in a year, rosary-in-a-year, sacred art, st bonaventure, victorious, victory, visio divina

    Fr. Mark-Mary reflects on the Assumption of Mary through Cesare Mariani’s 1863 fresco, which depicts Our Lady rising in glory, surrounded by angels, saints, and the faithful. This meditation reminds us that in Christ, the victory is already won—and all who remain faithful will share in that eternal triumph with Him and Our Lady. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Assumption and we will be praying one decade of the Rosary.

    All of the Sacred Art we’ll be meditating with can be found in the Rosary in a Year Prayer Guide, for free linked in the complete prayer plan, or in the Ascension App. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

  • Day 166: Ordinary, Yet Called

    June 15th, 2025  |  15 mins 17 secs
    art, art meditations, ascension, catholic church, catholic faith, decent of the holy spirit, father mark mary, father mark-mary, fr. mark mary, fr. mark-mary, glorious, glorious mysteries, holy spirit, pentecost, peter, pope, riy, rosary, rosary in a year, rosary-in-a-year, sacred art, simon, titian, visio divina

    Titian’s Renaissance painting, Pentecost, focuses on St. Peter kneeling beside Mary with the keys of the Kingdom in hand. Fr. Mark-Mark contemplates Peter’s transformation from a flawed man to the first pope to highlight the power of the Holy Spirit working through ordinary people. We are reminded that despite our limitations, each of us carries a mission and is invited to entrust it to 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.

    All of the Sacred Art we’ll be meditating with can be found in the Rosary in a Year Prayer Guide, for free linked in the complete prayer plan, or in the Ascension App. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

  • Day 165: Following in His Footsteps

    June 14th, 2025  |  14 mins 7 secs
    art, art meditations, ascension, bernardino gandino, catholic church, catholic faith, father mark mary, father mark-mary, father’s house, follow, footprints, fr. mark mary, fr. mark-mary, glorious, glorious mysteries, heaven, riy, rosary, rosary in a year, rosary-in-a-year, sacraments, sacred art, st. francis of assisi, the ascension, visio divina

    Exploring the mystery of the Ascension, Fr. Mark-Mary meditates on Jesus’ enduring presence through the symbol of His footprints, as depicted in Bernardino Gandino’s Baroque painting. This image becomes a powerful reminder of Christ’s continued presence and an invitation to follow Him not just in spirit, but step by step, through Scripture, the sacraments, and the life of the Church. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Ascension and we will be praying one decade of the Rosary.

    All of the Sacred Art we’ll be meditating with can be found in the Rosary in a Year Prayer Guide, for free linked in the complete prayer plan, or in the Ascension App. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

  • Day 164: Guided by His Hand

    June 13th, 2025  |  13 mins 37 secs
    art, art meditations, ascension, belief, caravaggio, catholic church, catholic faith, doubt, doubting thomas, faith, father mark mary, father mark-mary, fr. mark mary, fr. mark-mary, glorious, glorious mysteries, good shepherd, jesus appearing to the disciples, lost sheep, resurrection, risen, riy, rosary, rosary in a year, rosary-in-a-year, sacred art, thomas, trust, visio divina, wounds

    Fr. Mark-Mary reflects on St. Thomas not as doubting and resistant, but as someone honestly expressing his need to see and believe because he is aware that if the Resurrection is true, everything must change. Caravaggio’s The Incredulity of St. Thomas captures this moment of intimate encounter, as the risen Jesus gently leads Thomas to touch His side, revealing a love that welcomes doubt and transforms it into belief. We are encouraged to acknowledge our own need for grace and trust that Christ will meet us there. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Resurrection and we will be praying one decade of the Rosary.

    All of the Sacred Art we’ll be meditating with can be found in the Rosary in a Year Prayer Guide, for free linked in the complete prayer plan, or in the Ascension App. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

  • Day 163: Through His Eyes

    June 12th, 2025  |  14 mins 17 secs
    art, art meditations, ascension, calvary, catholic church, catholic faith, cross, crucifixion, father mark mary, father mark-mary, fr. mark mary, fr. mark-mary, james tissot, mary, mother, riy, rosary, rosary in a year, rosary-in-a-year, sacred art, sacrifice, sorrowful, sorrowful mysteries, visio divina, what our lord saw from the cross

    What did Jesus see when He looked down from the cross? And what does He see in us now? Fr. Mark-Mary contemplates James Tissot’s painting, What Our Lord Saw from the Cross, which invites reflection on what Jesus might have seen and felt as He gave His life. Fr. Mark-Mary contrasts the indifference and mockery of some in the crowd with the sorrowful devotion of Mary, St. John, and Mary Magdalene. We are invited to place ourselves at Calvary and examine how we respond to Christ's sacrifice. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Crucifixion and we will be praying one decade of the Rosary.

    All of the Sacred Art we’ll be meditating with can be found in the Rosary in a Year Prayer Guide, for free linked in the complete prayer plan, or in the Ascension App. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

  • Day 162: Carrying the Cross Together

    June 11th, 2025  |  15 mins 57 secs
    art, art meditations, ascension, burden, carrying of the cross, catholic church, catholic faith, cross, father mark mary, father mark-mary, fr. mark mary, fr. mark-mary, gentileschi, heavy, light, rest, riy, rosary, rosary in a year, rosary-in-a-year, sacred art, sorrowful, sorrowful mysteries, surrender, visio divina

    Orazio Gentileschi’s painting, Christ Carrying the Cross, captures the profound strength and inner peace of Jesus’ suffering—His body straining beneath the weight of the cross, yet His face is calm. Fr. Mark-Mary contrasts the visible burden of the cross with Jesus’ promise of a “light burden”. He invites us to consider that what lightens the load is not its removal, but the strength that comes from perfect trust in the Father. We are encouraged to seek not just relief, but faith that rests in God’s presence and power, even when our cross feels anything but light. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Carrying of the Cross and we will be praying one decade of the Rosary.

    All of the Sacred Art we’ll be meditating with can be found in the Rosary in a Year Prayer Guide, for free linked in the complete prayer plan, or in the Ascension App. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

  • Day 161: Sharing Eternal Victory

    June 10th, 2025  |  12 mins 13 secs
    art, art meditations, ascension, caravaggio, catholic church, catholic faith, crown, crowning with thorns, darkness, father mark mary, father mark-mary, fr. mark mary, fr. mark-mary, hope, light, mercy, riy, rosary, rosary in a year, rosary-in-a-year, sacred art, sorrowful, sorrowful mysteries, thorn, visio divina

    Christ is depicted in Caravaggio’s Ecce Homo with quiet dignity amid humiliation, as He is crowned with thorns and presented to the crowd. Fr. Mark-Mary encourages a prayerful examination of conscience, recognizing our personal role in Christ’s Passion while holding fast to the light and hope that remains even in darkness. Through repentance and faith, we are called not only to witness His suffering but to share in His rising and ultimate victory. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Crowning with Thorns and we will be praying one decade of the Rosary.

    All of the Sacred Art we’ll be meditating with can be found in the Rosary in a Year Prayer Guide, for free linked in the complete prayer plan, or in the Ascension App. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.