The Rosary in a Year (with Fr. Mark-Mary Ames)
Pray the Rosary Like Never Before
Displaying Episode 1 - 10 of 38 in total of The Rosary in a Year (with Fr. Mark-Mary Ames) with the tag “joyful”.
-
Day 210: Relationship With the Son
July 29th, 2025 | 14 mins 15 secs
ascension, building, building up the decades, catholic church, catholic faith, contemplative prayer, decades, father mark mary, father mark-mary, fr. mark mary, fr. mark-mary, imaginative prayer, jesus, joyful, joyful mysteries, meditating, meditative prayer, poco a poco, prayer, riy, rosary, rosary in a year, rosary-in-a-year, son, two decades
We continue deepening our practice of relational prayer, focusing on Jesus the Son. We place ourselves in his presence not abstractly, but intimately, as we step into the moment with him. This prayer time is not only for today’s encounter, but also for forming the habit of being with Christ so that in future decades, you can return to this space, this awareness, this relationship. Today’s focus is the mysteries of the Nativity and Presentation and we will be praying two decades of the Rosary.
For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.
-
Day 209: Praying With the Father
July 28th, 2025 | 15 mins 34 secs
ascension, building, building up the decades, catholic church, catholic faith, contemplative prayer, decades, father, father mark mary, father mark-mary, fr. mark mary, fr. mark-mary, joyful, joyful mysteries, meditating, meditative prayer, poco a poco, prayer, riy, rosary, rosary in a year, rosary-in-a-year, two decades
Today we begin Phase 5: Building Up the Decades. We begin to deepen not only the quantity but especially the quality of our prayer. This next phase is all about growing our capacity for contemplative, relational prayer, poco a poco, little by little. We pray two decades of the Joyful Mysteries, with a special focus on our relationship with God the Father who has made himself known to us, not through a visible face, but through his heart: the one who sees in secret, who hears us, delights in us, and is always with us. Today’s focus is the mysteries of the Annunciation and Visitation and we will be praying two decades of the Rosary.
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 153: From St. Joseph to Jesus
June 2nd, 2025 | 13 mins 9 secs
art, art meditations, ascension, catholic church, catholic faith, father mark mary, father mark-mary, finding of jesus in the temple, fr. mark mary, fr. mark-mary, holly family, joseph, joyful, joyful mysteries, mary, riy, rosary, rosary in a year, rosary-in-a-year, sacred art, st. joseph, temple, visio divina, wedding at cana
Concluding our focus on St. Joseph, we reflect on the quiet but powerful transition of Mary’s care from St. Joseph to Jesus in the Holy Family. God's constant provision for Mary is evident as we see how Jesus steps into his role as protector and provider for his mother. The reflection is anchored in a 17th-century painting of The Finding in the Temple, located at St. Nicholas Church in Brussels. Fr. Mark-Mary reminds us that even when God's plan requires letting go, His attentive love never leaves us abandoned. 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 152: St. Joseph’s Offering
June 1st, 2025 | 12 mins 31 secs
art, art meditations, ascension, catholic church, catholic faith, father mark mary, father mark-mary, fr. mark mary, fr. mark-mary, joseph, joyful, joyful mysteries, offering, presentation, riy, rosary, rosary in a year, rosary-in-a-year, sacred art, sacrifice, sorrow, st. joseph, temple, turtledoves, visio divina
We continue our series focusing on St. Joseph’s presence with the Presentation in the Temple. In today’s art, we see Joseph offering the turtle doves, artistically representing what also is happening interiorly, Fr. Mark-Mary says. St. Joseph’s heart was surely sorrowful when Simeon prophesied that a sword would pierce Mary’s heart, and yet he said yes to the Father alongside her. 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 151: St. Joseph’s Protection
May 31st, 2025 | 12 mins 13 secs
adoration, art, art meditations, ascension, care, catholic church, catholic faith, christmas, father mark mary, father mark-mary, fr. mark mary, fr. mark-mary, joyful, joyful mysteries, magic, nativity, paternal, providence, provision, riy, rosary, rosary in a year, rosary-in-a-year, sacred art, shepherds, st. joseph, visio divina
If St. Joseph had not been present at the Nativity, could the adoration of the shepherds have happened? Fr. Mark-Mary continues our focus on St. Joseph’s role, highlighting the goodness of God in bringing Mary and Joseph together to raise the Savior. 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 for free in the Ascension App. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.