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

Day 98: An Abyss of Love

Ascension — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 03:15:00 -0400

Aided by a meditation from St. Catherine of Siena’s Dialogue, we reflect on the profound gift of the Eucharist. Jesus tells each and every one of us how deeply he loves us as he says, ”I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you,” a love we partake of each time we approach the Eucharist. 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.

Day 93: Look Like You Love Him

Ascension — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 03:15:00 -0400

When Mary and Joseph realized that Jesus was missing, they searched everywhere, stopping at nothing to find him. This is how love searches, Fr. Mark-Mary tells us, drawing from a reading by St. Augustine. When we feel as though Jesus is missing, we can be like Mary and Joseph, looking for him like we love him. 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.

Day 80: His Blood For You

Ascension — Sat, 21 Mar 2026 03:15:00 -0400

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.

Day 74: Beloved of the Father

Ascension — Sun, 15 Mar 2026 03:15:00 -0400

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.

Day 63: Even Unto Death

Ascension — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 03:15:00 -0500

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.

Day 58: Creativity of Love (2026)

Ascension — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 03:15:00 -0500

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.

Day 364: The Sorrowful Mysteries

Ascension — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 03:15:00 -0500

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.

Day 357: The Sorrowful Mysteries

Ascension — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 03:15:00 -0500

Fr. Mark-Mary guides us in a deeply contemplative Rosary, as we walk the path of the Sorrowful Mysteries with Jesus. We encounter Christ in the Agony in the Garden, reflecting on how all of Salvation history has been leading to this moment. Reverently, we witness the Scourging and Crowning with Thorns, beholding Christ’s love and kingship. We honor the cross that became the sign of our salvation as Jesus carries it with love, and conclude in a meditation on James Tissot’s painting, What Our Lord Saw from the Cross. 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.

Day 353: The Sorrowful Mysteries

Ascension — Fri, 19 Dec 2025 03:15:00 -0500

Guiding us through the Sorrowful Mysteries, Fr. Mark-Mary ponders these mysteries through the lens of the Prodigal Son. In the Agony in the Garden, he highlights that just as the prodigal son demanded his inheritance, sinful humanity grasped at Christ, prompting us to consider the ways we, too, take matters into our own hands. During the Scourging and the Crowning with Thorns, he reveals both the cost of sin and the unshakable truth of our identity as beloved sons and daughters of the Father. As we arrive at the Carrying of the Cross and the Crucifixion, Fr. Mark-Mary emphasizes the Father’s relentless pursuit of us—running toward us in our weakness and answering every doubt with unwavering love. 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.

Day 350: The Sorrowful Mysteries

Ascension — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 03:15:00 -0500

As we pray the Rosary, contemplating the sorrowful mysteries, Fr. Mark-Mary encourages us to draw close to Jesus. We witness the culmination of all of salvation history in the Garden of Gethsemane, we see the depths of love poured out for us with his blood, and we are invited to bring our contrition and hearts to our Lord. 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.

Day 236: The Crucifixion and the Resurrection

Ascension — Sun, 24 Aug 2025 03:15:00 -0400

We pray with the fifth Sorrowful Mystery, the Crucifixion and Death of Jesus, and the first Glorious Mystery, his Resurrection. At the Cross, we witness Christ’s total self-gift, his mercy toward the repentant thief, and the sorrow of Mary who remains faithfully at His side. Then we move to the empty tomb, where light bursts from darkness and Jesus, risen and still bearing his wounds, offers hope that God is working for good even through suffering. These mysteries invite us to deeper trust in Jesus’ victory over death. Today’s focus is the mysteries of the Crucifixion and the Resurrection and we will be praying two decades of the Rosary.

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

Day 213: Advocate, Queen, and Mother

Ascension — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 03:15:00 -0400

Fr. Mark-Mary encourages us to build a personal, relational prayer life by connecting intimately with the Blessed Virgin Mary. He invites us to imagine ourselves stepping into St. John’s home, sitting at a simple table with Mary, and resting in a space filled with love, comfort, and open conversation. Mary is not a distant or silent figure, but a present and responsive mother who offers encouragement, guidance, and compassion through God's grace. Today’s focus is the mysteries of the Transfiguration and Institution of the Eucharist and we will be praying two decades of the Rosary.

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

Day 212: Eternal Exchange of Love

Ascension — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 03:15:00 -0400

Opening with prayerful reflection, Father Mark-Mary invites listeners to contemplate the Holy Trinity not as an abstract concept but as a living communion of love—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Drawing from the Catechism, he highlights that God’s innermost secret is His very being as love, revealed through Christ and the Holy Spirit. We are personally invited to enter and share in this love. Today’s focus is the mysteries of the Wedding Feast at Cana and Proclamation of the Kingdom and Call to Conversion and we will be praying two decades of the Rosary.

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

Day 205: With Us Always

Ascension — Thu, 24 Jul 2025 03:15:00 -0400

Fr. Mark-Mary explains that the Ascension is not Christ’s departure, but the perfection of His presence with us. No longer limited by time or space, Jesus is now intimately present to each of us in a divine way. Through acts of charity and love, we follow in His footsteps and are drawn into deeper union with Him. 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.

Day 198: The Love of Jesus

Ascension — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 03:15:00 -0400

The Holy Eucharist is one of the greatest signs of Jesus’ love. With Fr. Mark-Mary, we return to the mystery of the Institution of the Eucharist, diving into the creativity of love and the abyss of love revealed at the Last Supper. Finally, we experience Jesus’ peace, given to us through the Eucharist. 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.

Day 195: New Wine, New Life

Ascension — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 03:15:00 -0400

“Do whatever He tells you.” Mary’s powerful words at the Wedding Feast at Cana urge us to trust Jesus wholeheartedly. This moment reveals Jesus as the divine bridegroom who brings transformation, joy, and new life into our lives. We are reminded that Jesus and Mary see our needs and respond with deep love and care, even when we do not realize it. 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.

Bonus: Introduction to Phase Four: “Finding Focus”

Ascension — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400

What’s the difference between a commitment and a devotion? How can we grow in love for the rosary? In this special bonus episode, Fr. Mark-Mary is joined by Sr. Miriam James Heidland SOLT, to discuss prayer quality over quantity, overcoming discouragement in prayer, and the beauty of Mary and her motherhood.

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

Day 184: Beyond the Tomb

Ascension — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 03:15:00 -0400

What if the first person to witness the Resurrection was Mary, the mother of Jesus? Fr. Mark-Mary explores this possibility through prayerful reflection on Annibale Carracci’s painting The Holy Women at Christ’s Tomb, highlighting the emotional depth and symbolism in the women's encounter with the angel. Drawing from Pope John Paul II’s insights, he invites us to imagine a tender, intimate reunion between the risen Christ and His mother, filled with healing, tears, and joy. 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 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 180: The God Who Bleeds

Ascension — Sun, 29 Jun 2025 03:15:00 -0400

Fr. Mark-Mary draws us in to an overwhelming realization while meditating on The Flagellation of Our Lord Jesus Christ by William-Adolphe Bouguereau: our God is a God who bleeds. We observe Jesus in his pain and suffering, reflecting on the incredible amount of love he has to pursue our souls regardless of his suffering. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Scourging at the Pillar and we will be praying one decade of the Rosary.

Day 178: Open the Door

Ascension — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 03:15:00 -0400

In Tanner’s painting, Christ and the Disciples Before the Last Supper, we see Jesus and a few disciples before they enter the upper room to eat the Passover. In moments, the institution of the Eucharist will occur. Fr. Mark-Mary invites us to experience the incredible love Jesus is inviting them into before they enter and share the Passover meal. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Institution of the Eucharist and we will be praying one decade of the Rosary.

Day 141: Render Unto God

Ascension — Wed, 21 May 2025 03:15:00 -0400

As we see the bust of Tiberius Caesar at the top of today’s painting, Christ Crowned with Thorns by Titian, the phrase “render to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and render to God what is God’s” may come to mind. Fr. Mark-Mary asks us to consider whether we are rendering our worship and love unto God, or unto the world. 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 for free in the Ascension App. For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy.

Day 135: Miracles of Love

Ascension — Thu, 15 May 2025 03:15:00 -0400

Why does Jesus perform miracles? Fr. Mark-Mary, meditating with help from a painting by Carl Bloch, says that Jesus doesn’t just do miracles as a sign or as a magician. Jesus does miracles as acts of love, motivated by true compassion. We take a moment to rest in this sign of love at the Wedding Feast with Jesus and Mary. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Wedding Feast at Cana and we will be praying one decade of the Rosary.

Day 131: Worship and Warmth

Ascension — Sun, 11 May 2025 03:15:00 -0400

What will be true in heaven is already true in the manger at Bethlehem. Already, heaven and earth bend the knee in worship of Jesus to the glory of God the Father. Fr. Mark-Mary draws our attention to the gaze of Mary, Joseph, and the angels, fixed on Jesus, in Giovanni Antonio Pellegrini’s painting of the Nativity. 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 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 105: Love Draws Us Up

Ascension — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 03:15:00 -0400

Heaven is more than just a theological reality. Heaven can be a personal truth we approach with profound love, longing to join Jesus in heaven. Fr. Mark-Mary reads from St. Thomas Aquinas, leading us in meditation on the mystery of the Ascension. 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.

Day 102: Carried with Love

Ascension — Sat, 12 Apr 2025 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 98: An Abyss of Love

Ascension — Tue, 08 Apr 2025 03:15:00 -0400

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

Day 93: Look Like You Love Him

Ascension — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 03:15:00 -0400

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

Day 80: His Blood For You

Ascension — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 03:15:00 -0400

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

Day 74: Beloved of the Father

Ascension — Sat, 15 Mar 2025 03:15:00 -0400

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

Day 63: Even Unto Death

Ascension — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 03:15:00 -0500

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

Day 58: Creativity of Love

Ascension — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 03:15:00 -0500

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