The Rosary in a Year (with Fr. Mark-Mary Ames) - Episodes Tagged with “Cross”

Day 102: Carried with Love

Ascension — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 03:15:00 -0400

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.

Day 82: Simon’s Choice

Ascension — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 03:15:00 -0400

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.

Day 43: The Veil is Torn (2026)

Ascension — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 03:15:00 -0500

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.

Day 42: Sent into Exile (2026)

Ascension — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 03:15:00 -0500

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.

Day 17: Turn On the Light (2026)

Ascension — Sat, 17 Jan 2026 03:15:00 -0500

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.

Day 297: The Sorrowful and Glorious Mysteries

Ascension — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 03:15:00 -0400

Today we journey through four powerful mysteries that reveal the depth of Christ’s love and the glory of his victory. We begin with the Crowning with Thorns, where Jesus endures mockery and pain with silent strength. We then follow him in the Carrying of the Cross, sharing in his burden and the weight of his sacrifice. At the Crucifixion, we stand before the Cross and contemplate the mercy poured out for our salvation. Finally, we rejoice in the Resurrection, when Christ conquers death and opens the way to eternal life. These mysteries remind us that from suffering comes redemption, and through the cross comes everlasting hope. Today’s focus is the mysteries of the Crowning with Thorns, Carrying of the Cross, Crucifixion, and the Resurrection. We will be praying four decades of the Rosary.

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

Day 271: The Sorrowful Mysteries

Ascension — Sun, 28 Sep 2025 03:15:00 -0400

In the Sorrowful Mysteries, we behold the depth of Christ’s suffering and love for us. At the Scourging at the Pillar, His body is torn by cruel lashes. In the Crowning with Thorns, He is mocked and humiliated. As He carries the Cross, each step bears the weight of our sins. In these mysteries, we are called to accept our own sufferings with patience, to remain steadfast in faith amid trials, and to follow Christ with courage and love. Today’s focus is the mysteries of the Scourging at the Pillar, the Crowning with Thorns, and the Carrying of the Cross. We will be praying three decades of the Rosary.

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

Day 265: The Sorrowful and Glorious Mysteries

Ascension — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 03:15:00 -0400

The Carrying of the Cross, the Crucifixion, and the Resurrection reveal the path of Christ’s Passion leading to new life. As Jesus carries the Cross, we walk beside Him, witnessing His perseverance under the weight of suffering and His quiet strength. At the Crucifixion, we kneel at the foot of the Cross, where Christ’s arms are outstretched in the ultimate act of love, offering His life for the redemption of the world. Finally, the silence of the tomb is broken by the glory of the Resurrection, where sin and death are conquered and the promise of eternal life is fulfilled. Today’s focus is the mysteries of the Carrying of the Cross, the Crucifixion, and the Resurrection. We will be praying three decades of the Rosary.

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

Day 251: The Sorrowful Mysteries

Ascension — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 03:15:00 -0400

As we meditate on the Sorrowful Mysteries, we enter into the depth of our Lord’s Passion. The Scourging at the Pillar, the Crowning with Thorns, and the Carrying of the Cross each draw Christ nearer to the ultimate act of love—His death on the Cross. Let us unite our own trials and sufferings with His sacrifice. Today’s focus is the mysteries of the Scourging at the Pillar, the Crowning with Thorns, and the Carrying of the Cross. We will be praying three decades of the Rosary.

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

Day 235: The Crowning with Thorns and the Carrying of the Cross

Ascension — Sat, 23 Aug 2025 03:15:00 -0400

In prayer, we focus on the third Sorrowful Mystery, the Crowning with Thorns, and the fourth Sorrowful Mystery, the Carrying of the Cross. In the mockery of Jesus as King, we behold the profound humility and suffering He freely embraces. On the road to Calvary, we reflect on His encounter with Simon of Cyrene, who shares in the weight of the cross and meets salvation face to face. These mysteries draw us into deeper surrender as we say yes to carrying our own crosses each day in union with Christ. Today’s focus is the mysteries of the Crowning with Thorns and the Carrying of the Cross and we will be praying two decades of the Rosary.

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

Day 225: Bring It to Jesus

Ascension — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 03:15:00 -0400

Continuing the focus on intercessory prayer, Fr. Mark-Mary invites us to bring the intentions on our hearts directly to Jesus. He encourages us to imagine the Lord drawing near—whether to rejoice with us, to comfort us, or simply to be present with love and power. With trust in Christ’s nearness and care, we are called to lay down our intentions and enter prayer with openness and faith. Today’s focus is the mysteries of the Crowning with Thorns and the Carrying of the Cross and we will be praying two decades of the Rosary.

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

Day 215: Here With Jesus

Ascension — Sun, 03 Aug 2025 03:15:00 -0400

Imagine Jesus present in your everyday environment—your home, school, office, or car. While we often picture Him in distant historical settings, Fr. Mark-Mary encourages us to experience Jesus coming to us in the here and now. This kind of imaginative prayer deepens our relationship with Jesus by making His love and presence tangible in the ordinary moments of our lives. Today’s focus is the mysteries of the Crowning with Thorns and the Carrying of the Cross and we will be praying two decades of the Rosary.

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

Day 203: God’s Relentless Pursuit

Ascension — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 03:15:00 -0400

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Christ’s cry from the cross reveals not despair, but a prayer that carries the weight of human suffering to the heart of the Father. Fr. Mark-Mary draws connections to the prodigal son and the good thief, illustrating God’s relentless pursuit to bring His children home. The crucifixion becomes the fulfillment of God’s covenant, declaring that death, sorrow, and injustice will not have the final word, but life, mercy, and resurrection will. 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.

Day 202: Scapegoat and Savior

Ascension — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 03:15:00 -0400

Fr. Mark-Mary connects Jesus carrying His cross to Christ as the new scapegoat, freely taking on the exile, rejection, and sins of all humanity and carrying them to His place of crucifixion. Simon of Cyrene had the opportunity to let his suffering draw him closer to Jesus—an invitation extended to each of us in our own crosses of loss, illness, or pain. When we unite our suffering with His, our crosses too can become salvific, glorified, and trophies of shared victory in Christ. 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.

Day 183: Love Poured Out

Ascension — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 03:15:00 -0400

Fr. Mark-Mary reflects on the Crucifixion through Rubens’ painting, The Descent from the Cross, emphasizing the raw humanity of Jesus as He is lovingly lowered by His followers. He meditates on the mystical union between Christ the bridegroom and the Church, inviting us to find rest in Christ’s pierced side, the source of love, mercy, and life. Finally, he focuses on Mary’s sorrowful but hope-filled presence, encouraging us to bring our own losses to her while clinging to the promise of resurrection and redemption. 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 182: Shared Sacrifice

Ascension — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 03:15:00 -0400

Inspired by Raphael’s painting depicting the Carrying of the Cross, Fr. Mark-Mary focuses on the profound spiritual offering made by both Jesus and Mary. He emphasizes how Jesus willingly embraced his suffering out of love and obedience to the Father, and how Mary also offered her son with grace and faith. Their shared sacrifice is presented as an act of profound love and salvation. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Carrying of the Cross and we will be praying one decade of the Rosary.

Day 163: Through His Eyes

Ascension — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 03:15:00 -0400

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.

Day 162: Carrying the Cross Together

Ascension — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 03:15:00 -0400

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.

Day 134: Shadow of the Cross

Ascension — Wed, 14 May 2025 03:15:00 -0400

The first Luminous mystery is a mystery of profound joy, but a fresco of Jesus’ Baptism, featured in the Church of San Benedetto in Padua, reveals that the cross is never far from Christ. Fr. Mark-Mary reminds us that Jesus’ “yes” at his Baptism, is also a “yes” to his passion. 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 for free in the Ascension App. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

Day 126: Fire of Love

Ascension — Tue, 06 May 2025 03:15:00 -0400

God desires the fire of his love to burn always in our hearts, says St. Alphonsus Liguori. Fr. Mark-Mary explains that we can kindle this fire of the Holy Spirit through the wood of the cross and the oxygen of prayer. We meditate on the Holy Spirit’s ability to transform us and growing our receptivity to his love. 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.

Day 122: Trophy of Victory

Ascension — Fri, 02 May 2025 03:15:00 -0400

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.

Day 102: Carried with Love

Ascension — Sat, 12 Apr 2025 03:15:00 -0400

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

Day 82: Simon’s Choice

Ascension — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 03:15:00 -0400

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

Day 43: The Veil is Torn

Ascension — Wed, 12 Feb 2025 03:15:00 -0500

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

Day 42: Sent into Exile

Ascension — Tue, 11 Feb 2025 03:15:00 -0500

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

Day 17: Turn On the Light

Ascension — Fri, 17 Jan 2025 03:15:00 -0500

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