Episodes
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Our guided meditation on the fifth Joyful Mystery, the Finding of Jesus in the Temple, highlights the faith and trust of Mary and Joseph when faced with unexpected events and limited understanding. The quiet transition of leadership within the Holy Family, as Joseph’s protective role gives way to Jesus' revelation of His divine mission is also emphasized. Fr. Mark-Mary invites us to seek God with love and confidence, even in times of apparent silence, viewing such moments as a call to deeper trust in God’s presence. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Finding of Jesus in the Temple and we will be praying one decade of the Rosary.
For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy. -
Through storytelling and scripture, Fr. Mark-Mary explores the sacrificial freedom expressed by both Jesus and Mary during the Presentation in the Temple. Mary’s renewed “yes” is a powerful witness to steadfast faith. We are reminded to remain anchored in Christ with unwavering trust. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Presentation in the Temple and we will be praying one decade of the Rosary.
For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy. -
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Fr. Mark-Mary reflects on the Nativity, emphasizing the overwhelming joy and sense of unworthiness that can accompany encountering the gift of Jesus. We are invited to contemplate the transformative love offered through the birth of Christ. Using Scripture, sacred imagery, and prayer, we are drawn into an intimate encounter with Jesus, who offers not only salvation but also warmth and affection. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Nativity and we will be praying one decade of the Rosary.
For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy. -
We continue practicing meditation with our mental archive, returning to Mary as the Ark of the Covenant, understanding the Visitation as our invitation to song, and Mary’s charity and love towards us. With Fr. Mark-Mary, we pray through the “four R’s,” asking God to reveal his grace to us through the mystery. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Visitation and we will be praying one decade of the Rosary.
For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy. -
We begin Phase 4: Finding Focus today, reviewing several topics for meditation on the Annunciation. Putting the mental meditation archive we’ve been building into practice, Fr. Mark-Mary leads us through prayer prompts and a decade of the rosary. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Annunciation and we will be praying one decade of the Rosary.
For the complete prayer plan, visit https://ascensionpress.com/riy. -
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. -
In our final visio divina episode, we meditate on a fresco entitled Mary, Help of Christians, by Giuseppe Rollini. Mary is surrounded by rows and rows of saints, from all backgrounds and professions, and yet there is still more space in Jesus’ house. With Fr. Mark-Mary, we bring the gift of our prayer and present it to Mary, our Queen. 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. -
Jesus took flesh from Mary and glorified it, says St. Augustine. As we meditate on the Assumption through a stained glass depiction, Fr. Mark-Mary explains how Mary’s generosity to Jesus is given back to her as he shares his divine nature with her. The creature, he says, will never best the generosity of the creator. 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. -
In anticipation of Pentecost, Jesus tells his disciples to wait until the Father sends them power from on high. Fr. Mark-Mary tells us, considering the painting of Pentecost, attributed to Simone Peterzano, that we can trust and wait on the Lord. We may be in a place of poverty, but our strength is found in waiting for God’s power and graces. 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. -
Each of us is called to share the Gospel boldly through our witness, words, and love. Fr. Mark-Mary reflects on this mission through Duccio’s Appearance on the Mountain in Galilee, where Christ blesses and commissions his disciples before ascending. We are reminded that Jesus remains present with us, empowering our unique roles in building the Kingdom through prayer, service, and faithful proclamation. 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. -
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. -
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. -
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.
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. -
Witnessing Christ crowned with thorns reveals a striking contrast between worldly might and divine strength and humility. Through the lens of Anthony van Dyck’s dramatic painting and the words of scripture and Pope John Paul II, Fr. Mark-Mary’s meditation unveils the redemptive power found in suffering. We are invited to see our own suffering as a means to draw nearer to Christ and receive His transforming grace. 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. -
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.
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. -
Today’s painting, The Arrest of Christ by Giotto di Bondone can be somewhat unsettling. Giotto di Bondone captures the moment of Judas' betrayal with intense emotion, reminding Fr. Mark-Mary that any of us could be in Judas’ place. Supplemented by a quote from St. Augustine, we meditate on the realization that all of us have the capacity to be great sinners or great saints. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Agony in the Garden 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. -
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.
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. -
Fr. Mark-Mary introduces us to the spiritual background of icons as we pray with an icon of the Transfiguration. We consider how our transformation in Christ takes a lifetime, revealed through Peter’s journey from the mountain, through shadows and valleys, and back to Jesus’ mercy and love. Today’s focus is the mystery of the Transfiguration 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. -
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. -
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. - Show more
